BROCKPORT, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher University football team was shutout 35-0 by Brockport in the 19th annual Courage Bowl game on Saturday afternoon at Bob Boozer Field. 

The Cardinals (1-3, 0-1 Empire 8) have lost two straight games since beating Keystone College two weeks ago at home. Brockport, winners of its last two games, improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the Empire 8. 

Running back Isaiah Simmons helped Brockport race out to a 14-0 lead, finding the end zone on runs of nine and 60 yards in the first quarter. The Golden Eagles led 28-0 at halftime after quarterback Ben Gocella threw touchdown passes to Brian Caldwell Jr. and Nolan Slywka in the second quarter. 

Gocella, who completed 11 of 19 passes for 182 yards, connected with Slywka for another score in the fourth quarter. Slywka led the Golden Eagles with seven catches for 76 yards. 

Simmons amassed 164 yards rushing on 19 attempts as Brockport piled up 237 total yards on the ground. Brockport finished with 432 total yards. 

Cardinals wide receiver Evan DeLutis set career highs in catches (7) and receiving yards (103). Quarterback Ryan Whitney completed 12 of 26 passes for 171 yards. 

Sophomore safety Isaiah Bretz recorded his first career interception and broke up two passes. Senior linebacker JaQuan Davis made two tackles for a loss of yards, bringing his season total to 5.5. 

The Cardinals have lost seven straight Courage Bowl games since winning the first 12. All seven of their losses have come to Brockport. 

One of the premier games in Division III football, the Courage Bowl has been played every year since 2005 and benefits Camp Good Days and Special Times, organizations that support children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer and other diseases.

Up Next

The Cardinals will play their third straight road game at noon next Saturday, Oct. 12, against Hilbert.