HAMBURG, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher University football team amassed more than 400 yards of offense and allowed fewer than 250 on defense in a 52-6 thrashing of Hilbert College on Saturday afternoon at St. Francis High School.
The Cardinals (2-3) snapped a two-game losing skid and evened their Empire 8 record (1-1). They have beaten Hilbert (0-6, 0-3 Empire 8) by 40-plus points in back-to-back seasons.
"It was a good one for our kids," Cardinals head coach Paul Vosburgh said. "Our kids needed that after losing to Wilkes and Brockport. We needed something positive to happen for our kids so they can start to believe in themselves a little bit more and get ready to finish the season (strong). We have to get ready for Hartwick (next week) now."
The Cardinals scored three touchdowns on the ground, another three through the air and one on defense. Their offense scored touchdowns on its first four drives, and sophomore linebacker Colin Faust fell on a fumble in the end zone en route to a 35-6 halftime lead. Fisher added 17 more points in the second half with two touchdowns and a 34-yard Kyle Farewell field goal, his longest make of the season.
Running backs Cam Chance and Deante Hall led a rushing attack that amassed 169 yards on 37 attempts. Chance set career highs in rushing yards (91) and touchdowns (3), while Hall had a career-high 61 yards on 12 rushes. Chance has six rushing touchdowns over five games, the third-most in the Empire 8.
"They did a great job," Vosburgh said. "When you can run the ball, you are in good shape. We ran the ball well, and Cam did a great job."
Quarterback Ryan Whitney completed 12 of 16 passes for 213 yards with two touchdowns. Backup Mason Lister completed 5 of 8 attempts for 49 yards and threw his first career touchdown pass.
Three different Fisher pass catchers scored their first career touchdowns: sophomores Jackson Cusack and Mykel White and senior Ryan Delaine. Seven players caught at least two passes in the contest.
The Cardinals allowed 225 yards of offense, the fewest they've given up this season. Hilbert, which didn't attempt a pass, gained all of its yards on the ground, with 81 of them coming on one play. The Hawks ran 41 plays and gained just eight first downs.
Faust's fumble recovery in the end zone late in the second quarter marked the Cardinals' second defensive score this season. Safety Tim Vanderbrink returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown in a 42-40 victory over Keystone College on Sept. 21.
Up Next
The Cardinals, who have played three straight road games, host Hartwick at 3 p.m. next Saturday, Oct. 19, at Growney Stadium.
