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December 6, 2008. The incredible 2008 season and NCAA playoff run finally came to an end for the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons football team Saturday. It took a great game played by the best team in the nation to defeat Cortland, 41-14, as the #1 nationally ranked Mount Union Purple Raiders advanced to the national semifinals.

 

The host Purple Raiders of Alliance, Ohio had never trailed in a game this season. But that changed fast when Cortland took the opening drive 75 yards on only 6 plays to jump on top 7-0. Ray Miles delivered a 37-yard pass completion to Zacc Guaragno on the first play from scrimmage. A 27-yard Miles to Jeffrey Lang completion pushed the ball to the Mount Union 5-yard line. Two plays later Miles connected with Dave Murphy for a 5-yard touchdown pass.

 

Mount Union's offense was unstoppable however, and the Purple Raiders took a 20-7 lead behind the running of Nate Kmic (all-time NCAA Division III rushing leader) and the passing of Greg Micheli. But with just over 1 minute remaining before half-time, Miles completed a 23-yard pass to Mike Lane and a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jeffrey Lang to pull Cortland within 20-14 at the half.

 

 

That was as close as Cortland would get however. Mount Union's defense shut down Cortland in the second half, while the Mount Union offense dominated time of possession to keep Miles and his receiving corps off the field. The Purple Raiders amassed an incredible 31 first downs and 295 yards rushing for the game, holding the football for 42:33. Mount Union, which averages nearly 50 points per game in 2008, converted 10-of-16 third downs and scored on 7 of 8 red zone opportunities.

 

Ray Miles played as well as any quarterback has against the Red Raiders vaunted defense in 2008. Senior Ray Miles completed 10-of-16 passes for 191 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no turnovers. The offensive line protected Miles fantastically, not yielding a sack until backup Dan Pitcher relieved an injured Miles late in the second half.

 

Eric Hajnos, Zacc Guaragno, Jeffrey Lang, and Mike Lane all had long receptions against a defense which does not yield long receptions. Guaragno and Lang combined for over 130 yards receiving.

 

It was a tremendous season for Cortland. The Red Dragons were one of the final 8 teams remaining in the NCAA tournament, won the NJAC title by 2 full games, and sent 16 players to the All-NJAC team. The trip to Alliance, Ohio was one of the most important moments in the history of Cortland football. It was clear Cortland is not far from competing on the highest level. The future appears very bright to this Cortland supporter.