Cortland Purple Tigers get shutout win vs. Jamesville-Dewitt; First win in two years (photos included)

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Varsity Football: Cortland vs. Jamesville-Dewitt. (Photo provided by Timothy A. Bennett, Owner & Publisher of The Cortland Voice).

The Cortland varsity football team shutout Jamesville-Dewitt in order to win their first game since October of 2021.

Cortland won the game 48-0 at Cortland high school Thursday night under the lights.

This win was also the first for new Cortland head coach Brett Segala.

Coach Brett Segala.

“We played awesome on our offense, defense, and special teams,” said coach Segala. “I couldn’t be prouder of this group. They show up every week and work their tail off. We played two good games in week 2 and week 1. It’s about the kids. They deserve this. For a lot of these guys, this is their first varsity win. I couldn’t be happier for them. I am elated right now; at a loss of words.”

When asked how he felt about winning his first game as a head coach, coach Segala said, “It’s surreal to hear you say that. It’s been a long ride with playing and coaching, but the credit goes to these kids, our whole coaching staff, and our administration at Cortland. They’ve done a great job. I have a great support system with our Athletic Director Matt Wood and our Superintendent Robert Edwards. Everyone has my back and supports my vision for this program. However, it all goes back to the kids. The kids did this, and the kids deserve this.”

Cortland’s shutout win got started early in the second quarter with DaeSean West picking up a fumble forced by Jaxson Gambitta to run 30 yards into the endzone.

The Purple Tigers then scored two additional touchdowns before halftime to make it 20-0. One where Robert Atkins connected with Daniel Jackson for a 35 yard reception, and another where Gage Burlingame ran it in 2 yards into the endzone.

Cortland’s offensive line then went to work in the second half, allowing the Purple Tigers to score four additional rushing touchdowns.

Cortland’s second half rushing touchdowns were scored by Wyatt Tinker (2 rushing touchdowns), Robert Atkins (1 rushing touchdown), and Karter Bush (1 rushing touchdown).

Here is a score breakdown of the game:

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Cortland	0	20	14	14	48
J-D	0	0	0	0	0

A key Cortland junior offensive lineman was Quinn Woodard.

When asked how he made sure he and the team were ready to make their blocking assignments, Woodard said, “It was all about sacrifice tonight. Playing for the guys next to us. It was about who had more heart. We put our hearts out there, sacrificing ourselves for our brothers on the field.

“Now we have to make sure that everyone stays focused with another good week of practice,” added Woodard. “We’re going to keep our grades up, and we are going to keep it rolling.

From left to right: Gage Burlingame, Quinn Woodard, and Daniel Jackson. (Photo provided by Timothy A. Bennett, Owner & Publisher of The Cortland Voice).

A word from the seniors

Seniors Gage Burlingame and Daniel Jackson shared their thoughts about winning their first game since 2021.

Gage Burlingame - “We played really well off a good week of practice. We fought for each other. Everyone did their jobs correctly. It wasn’t perfect, but it was amazing. It feels like we’ve accomplished so much over the summer and everything. We worked our tails off. We need to stay focused, keep the energy up, and keep fighting.”

Daniel Jackson - “It feels amazing. We haven’t won a game in two years. It feels good to turn that page and be done with that, and get in the win column.”

Now that the Purple Tigers got their first win, they will be looking to keep their winning streak alive as they travel to Mexico next Friday (September 22nd). The game is scheduled to kickoff at 6:30pm.