It was a sunny afternoon at Fauver Stadium, where URochester’s Yellowjacket football team faced off against SUNY Buffalo State University’s Bengals Oct. 3 for their Meliora Weekend homecoming game. The game ended in a win for the Yellowjackets, with a final score of 29–18.
The game did not start as easily as you’d expect from the score, as Buffalo State quickly scored twice, to push the score to 2–12 in the first quarter. Despite the ’Jackets offense struggling to convert yards into points throughout the first quarter, the defense was able to keep things mostly under control till the end of the first quarter, even forcing a safety after the Bengals intercepted the ball.
The second quarter of the game continued with the ’Jackets offense throwing an interception on second and long, at their own 16 yard line. Luckily, Rochester’s defense pulled through and made several stops throughout the second quarter, forcing Buffalo to punt post-interception, and forcing a fumble at the ’Jackets 15 yard line with about five minutes left in the half. Rochester punted to end the quarter, as neither team scored, to end the first half of the game.
The turning point for the ’Jackets was the third quarter. Rochester started off with a bang, completing a 12 yard touchdown pass. One successful field goal kick later, and the game is 9–12, Bengals up. The Jackets defense then made another stop, causing a penalty that solidified Buffalo’s punt. Once the ball was turned over, Rochester scored again, junior Running Back Cole Raux (2), scoring from 24 yards at 8:40. After another successful field goal, the ’Jackets took the lead, now up 16–12. Buffalo did score on their next drive, with a 21 yard attempt, but the ‘Jackets managed to block the extra point, bringing the game to 16–18. The ‘Jackets didn’t remain in a deficit for long, however, as the ’Jackets struck again from a first and goal. Sophomore Quarterback Shawn Bellenger (11), ran it in for one yard, and after a failed two-point attempt, the game sat at 22–18 till the end of the third quarter.
Beginning the final quarter, the ’Jackets hit the ground running, scoring again from Buffalo’s 16th yard line. The field goal attempt was good, pushing the ‘Jackets’ early fourth quarter lead to 11 points at 29–18. Rochester then made three defensive stops against Buffalo in the final quarter, sealing the deal with an interception.
This fantastic result made for a great Meliora Weekend for football fans, whether they be students, parents, or alumni The Yellowjackets will be facing off at Ithaca on Oct 10 at 1:00 p.m. next, to hopefully add another win to their 3–2 season.
