ITHACA, NY – Host Ithaca College scored 30 unanswered points in the second half to break a 13-all halftime score as the Bombers defeated the Hawks of Hartwick College 50-27 on Saturday at Butterfield Stadium in an Empire 8 contest.
             
The Hawks, who had entered the game averaging 527 yards of offense, were held to 389 yards by the Bomber defense. Ithaca also generated four 'Wick turnovers.
           
The setback drops the Hawks to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in the Empire 8. Ithaca improves to 3-2 and 2-1.
           
Ithaca had the only points of the first quarter as the Bombers scored on a 9-yard run with 4:03 remaining. Early in the second, the Hawks tied it on a Billy Pine (Hoosick Falls, NY/Hoosick Falls) to Brad Garcia (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley HS) three-yard touchdown pass that capped a 7-play, 82-yard drive. Brian McGovern's (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley HS) extra point put Hartwick in front 7-6 with 3:19 elapsed in the period.
           
The Bombers capitalized on a Hartwick fumble, scoring a touchdown on their fifth play from scrimmage for a 13-7 advantage with 5:40 to play. But Pine drove the Hawks 55 yards on five plays and hit Koree Reed (Baldwinsville, NY/Central Conn. St. Univ.) on a 19-yard pass for a score to knot the game at 13-13 fifty-two seconds before halftime. The PAT wasn't converted and the two teams entered the break all even.
           
Ithaca would register five touchdowns on their first six possessions in the second half to pull away. The Bombers scored on their opening possession to take the lead for good, 20-13. Later, Pine was sacked in the end zone for a safety to add two more points. The Bombers scored on the ensuing possession to build a 29-13 advantage.
           
The hosts added a touchdown to start the fourth quarter and after an interception, they scored again for a 43-13 lead with 11:28 left in the contest.
           
Pine would connect with Reed for touchdown passes of 29 and 36 yards, respectively, later in the quarter, but 23 points would be as close as the Hawks would get.
           
Reed made five catches for 140 yards with three of his receptions resulting in scores. Pine closed the game with 302 passing yards and four touchdowns on 21 completions. He was also intercepted three times. Garcia made seven receptions for 91 yards and a score. Tito Pichardo (Washingtonville, NY/Washingtonville HS) rushed for 82 yards on 14 carries.
           
Liam Kane (Saratoga Springs, NY/Stillwater) led all Hawks with eight tackles. Nate Farley (Amsterdam, NY/Amsterdam) and Frank Sorrenti (Endwell, NY/Maine-Endwell) each recorded six hits.
           
Melijah Purvis (West Babylon, NY/North Babylon), David Van Alstine (Otego, NY/Unatego), and Eugene Allen III (Laurel, NY/Mattituck) chipped in with five tackles. Allen also recovered a fumble.
           
Hartwick continues Empire 8 play next Saturday when it visits Morrisville State. The Hawks and Mustangs begin play at 1 p.m.