Cortland junior Quarterback Collin Williams taking off to score a touchdown. (Ross Cohen/Cortland Voice).
Last night at their home opener, the Cortland Purple Tigers defeated Westhill (31-12), obtaining their first win of the regular season.
Throughout the game, the Tigers relied on their running game a lot to break through Westhill’s defense. With three out of five of Cortland’s Touchdowns coming in from runs.
Junior captain quarterback Collin Williams, led the offense after running into the end zone twice at the beginning of the game. Therefore, giving the Tigers a 12-0 lead by the beginning of the second quarter. With his first run being an incredible 62 yard run and his second being a one yarder.
“I just kept pushing and you know, everyone just came together to make it happen,” said Williams. “It’s eleven men vs. eleven men. You just have to keep pushing.”
Williams ended the game with a total of two touchdown passes as well.
Westhill then came back into the game after scoring a touchdown pass from Jose Gonzalez to Jack Mooney. However, Cortland’s special teams were able to block the extra point, minimizing the score 12-6 at the end of the first half.
Coming into the second half, Cortland’s defense began to step up. With them providing the team with various sacks and tackles, Westhill’s offense were barely able to get minimal yard gain.
“Our defense did a really great job,” said Williams. “We had five turn-overs and honestly I give all the credit to the defense. Everybody worked really well together.”
“Westhill has had a pretty good rushing attack and we held them down,” added Cortland head coach Pete Reif.
Cortland sophomore linebacker, Brycen Palmer alonng with the rest of the Cortland defense getting ready to make a play. (Ross Cohen/Cortland Voice).
Then by the beginning of the fourth quarter, Cortland junior wide receiver, caught an eight-yard reception for a touchdown from Williams on a dangerous fourth down play.
However, shortly after, Westhill got their own touchdown reception keeping them in the game.
Beyond that it was lights out for Cortland. With them putting up 13 straight points by the end of the fourth.
With Finch catching a big 53-yard touchdown reception from Williams and junior wide receiver, Jordan Murray running in a 52-yard touchdown into the end zone.
“The guys got a taste of victory and they want that taste again,” said coach Reif. “These guys are so excited and I’m sure next week we are going to show up after a good week of practice and be ready for South Jefferson.”
The Tigers are now 1-2 in the regular season and are looking to start a streak at South Jefferson next Friday, September 27th. Kick off will begin at 7 p.m.
