Brockport, N.Y. (10/15/11) – The Kean University football team suffered their first defeat of the 2011 season as the College at Brockport upset the #8/10 Cougars, 28-20, Saturday afternoon from a cold, windy and rainy Kennedy Shriver Stadium.
The loss drops Kean to 5-1 and 4-1 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference while the win is the first for Brockport this fall as they stand now with a 1-5 overall record, 1-4 mark in the NJAC.
It was a slow start for both teams as Kean was able to muster just three points in the opening quarter. Both the Golden Eagles and the Cougars committed a fumble in the quarter, with Brockport turning over the ball twice on downs. In their last possession of the quarter, senior T.J. Denehy opened the drive with a six yard rush followed later in the drive with a 34 yard reception to set up Kean at Brockport's 16 yard line. With second down and six from the 12 yard line, it was Denehy (pictured left) again with a nine yard rush giving Kean first and goal from the three. But the Brockport defense was able to control the line and forced Kean into a field-goal, which senior Billy Daniels converted (22 yards) for the game's first points.
On the next possession, Brockport used 11 plays to gain 80 yards down the field and go ahead, 7-3. The Golden Eagles would retain the lead for the remainder of the contest.
The Brockport defense forced two four-and-out situations for the Cougars over their next two possessions and the Golden Eagles would go ahead 14-3 after an almost identical scoring drive of 11 plays for 82 yards. Quarterback Joe Scibilia passed for 78 yards during the drive.
The Cougars closed out the half by picking up their first touchdown of the afternoon to pull within, 14-10. Starting from their own 36, freshman Troy Chavers picked up 14 yards on back-to-back receptions. Senior quarterback Thomas D'Ambrisi then rushed ahead for the first down on an 11 yard pickup. D'Ambrisi found Denehy for a 32 yard gain giving Kean first and goal from the seven yard line. Two straight incomplete passes forced the Cougars into a third down situation, but a Brockport pass interference call gave the Cougars new life and a new set of downs from the three yard line. The Golden Eagle defense was able to keep the Cougars out of the end zone forcing a decision with fourth down and one to go with 11 seconds remaining on the clock. D'Ambrisi punched it in and Daniels added the extra point to send Kean into the locker room trailing, 14-10.
Kean opened up the second half receiving the ball and started with good field position as senior Jamahl Williams returned the opening kick 36 yards to put Kean on the Brockport 39 yard line. But the stymie Brockport defense forced Kean into a four-and-out situation, using just over a minute of time on the clock. Later in the quarter, Brockport started their drive in Cougar territory and used a pass play of 33 yards to bring the Golden Eagles to the five yard line. Two rushes by Tyrone Nichols and a good point after attempt gave Brockport a 21-10 in the third quarter.
The Cougars were unable to capitalize on offense in their next drive, however a fumble on the ensuing punt return would give Kean the ball in the redzone, beginning on the 16 yard line. Daniels was able to convert a 30 yard field goal, inching Kean closer, 21-13.
Brockport was able to score on their next possession, using seven plays for 63 yards. The big play of the drive came off a 26 yard touchdown pass from Scibilia to Jake Spalik for a 28-13 advantage.
Kean stayed the course, and was able to march down the field for 93 yards, pulling within eight, 28-20. Tight end Scott Davis had a 20 yard catch to move the Cougars toward midfield, followed by a 14 yard reception from Denehy to put Kean into Brockport territory. Junior Darius Kinney then picked up 19 yards on two rushes, putting the Cougars at the 26 yard line. It was Denehy again picking up a first down, this time for 21 yards, giving Kean a first-and-goal situation. Kinney inched the Cougars closer with a four yard pickup and two plays later, D'Ambrisi (pictured right) punched in his second rushing touchdown of the day.
Despite holding the Golden Eagles scoreless on their next three possessions, the Brockport defense was able to do the same, forcing Kean into a punt and later halting the drive with an interception. The Cougars had one last chance, with just six seconds on the clock, but despite the completed catch and lateral run for 42 yards, Kean was unable to get into the endzone.
Denehy led the offense with over 150 yards receiving and another 15 yards on the ground. D'Ambrisi finished with 270 yards in the air on 19-of-38 passes while adding 37 yards rushing.
Junior Brad Higgins led the defense with 12 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss. Senior Bekim Bujari (pictured left) was close behind with 11 tackles, including four for a loss. Williams recorded seven tackles while forcing a fumble.
Brockport's Scibilia was 22-of-36 for 300 yards while gaining 73 yards on the ground.
Kean returns to action on Saturday, October 22nd when they return home to face Morrisville State College. It is Homecoming, and the game time is set for noon.
