BELOIT, Wis. – The Beloit College Buccaneers, despite a valiant effort and a strong finish, ultimately fell to the Cornell College Rams 26-19 in a hard-fought football game at Strong Stadium. The Buccaneers (0-4, 0-3 MWC), showed considerable grit, especially in the second half.
The game started tough for Beloit, with the Rams (2-2, 2-1 MWC) establishing an early lead. The Rams put up 13 points in the first quarter, including a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown, leaving the Buccaneers scoreless.
However, Beloit began to find its rhythm in the second quarter. Quarterback Jared Torres (Mesquite, TX) connected with AJ Williams (North Las Vegas, NV) for a 15-yard touchdown pass, putting the Buccaneers on the board. While the extra point was missed, the score narrowed the gap to 13-6. Cornell responded with another touchdown, making it 20-6 at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Rams add another touchdown, extending their lead to 26-6. Despite the growing deficit, the Buccaneers refused to quit.
The fourth quarter was a testament to Beloit's determination. The team orchestrated a impressive 7-play, 64-yard drive culminating in another touchdown pass from Torres, this time to Chris Moore (Lakeland, FL), bringing the score to 26-13. The Buccaneers continued to press, and with time expiring, Ben Parker (Las Vegas, NV) punched in a 1-yard rush for a touchdown after a lengthy 16-play, 86-yard drive, making the final score 26-19.
Key performers for the Bucs included, Parker, who led the ground attack with 57 yards on 8 carries, including a touchdown and Jonathan Williamson (Bridgeport, CT) added 27 yards on 12 attempts. Torres completed 19 of 34 passes for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns. Moore was a standout, grabbing 5 receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown. A. Williams also contributed significantly with 6 catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. Kadir Battle (Miami, FL) secured 4 receptions for 33 yards. Defensively, Jurian Rivera (Homestead, FL) and Michael Snow (Parkland, FL) led the defense with 7 and 6 total tackles respectively. Quentin Schane (Newcastle, OK) also recorded an interception.
The Buccaneers are on the road next weekend, at Lake Forest College. Kick off from Farwell Field is set for 1 pm.
