The Ithaca College football team edged No. 14/20 Cortland, 26-21, in a dramatic 66th Cortaca Jug matchup at Butterfield Stadium, securing an 8-2 regular-season finish in front of more than 8,000 fans.
The Bombers struck first with a methodical opening drive capped by a short Chris Scully touchdown, but Cortland answered late in the quarter to take a 7-6 lead. Ithaca regained momentum on the first play of the second quarter when Michael Reed connected with Nicholas Lang for a 44-yard score. Cortland responded with a lengthy 13-play march to move back ahead, 14-12, before Ithaca blocked a field-goal attempt to keep the deficit at two heading into halftime.
Ithaca controlled much of the third quarter, draining more than nine minutes on a 15-play drive finished by Reed’s second touchdown pass to Lang for a 19-14 advantage. The Bombers immediately capitalized on a Cortland fumble on the ensuing kickoff, setting up Reed’s 10-yard rushing touchdown for a 26-14 lead. Cortland quickly tightened the game early in the fourth with a 63-yard strike to make it 26-21.
The Red Dragons mounted one final threat, reaching the Ithaca 9-yard line in the closing minutes, but the Bombers came up with a key end-zone interception. Cortland forced another possession, but its last drive stalled at the Ithaca 27 as time expired, sealing a hard-fought Ithaca victory.
Ithaca now awaits its postseason fate, hoping the rivalry win boosts its chances for an at-large berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.