Cornell put it all together on both sides of the football and celebrated a decisive 45-6 Senior Day victory over in-state rival Grinnell in Saturday’s Midwest Conference finale at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.
The Rams notched their 10th consecutive series win over Grinnell and concluded the season on a winning note for the sixth time in the last seven years.
Coach Dan Pifer’s young Rams battled through a slew of injuries throughout the fall and came out of it with their most complete game of the season. They finished 3-7 overall, 3-6 in the MWC.
On a chilly afternoon with occasional snow flurries, the Rams relied on the ground game and their senior-led offensive line that churned out 316 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore back Tony Gomez was the benefactor, rushing for 235 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries, good for a hefty 9.4-yard average.
Gomez’s yardage total is the fifth-most ever recorded by a Cornell player in one game. His exceptional effort was capped by a 57-yard TD run that put the Rams ahead 31-0 midway through the third quarter.
Freshman Joel Lacy added 33 yards on the ground and rushed for two scores, bringing his impressive season TD total to 11. Backup quarterback Colt Inselman had Cornell’s fourth and final rushing TD, reaching pay dirt from one yard out that completed the scoring with 6:51 left in the fourth quarter.
Starting quarterback John Smith finished an effective 5-of-9 passing for 98 yards and two TDs. His seven-yard strike to Cole Reed put the Rams ahead 17-0 with two seconds remaining in the opening half.
Senior wideout Aaryn Hailpern joined the scoring act on Cornell’s first drive of the second half, hauling in a four-yard pass from Smith. LaQuanta Crawford netted 48 yards on his only reception.
Senior kicker Adam Mitchell converted a 26-yard field goal that opened the scoring late in the first quarter. He was a perfect 6-for-6 on PAT kicks.
The Rams nearly doubled up the Pioneers (2-6 overall, 2-6 MWC) in total yards, 414-211. Cornell’s defense registered a season-high six sacks, three from senior lineman Landon Lockington who finished with seven total tackles.
Isaiah Spencer posted a team-high eight tackles, including two for losses and one sack. Roman West and Trey Gohlmann added one sack apiece. Savian Perez came away with an interception.
Cornell’s offense was held to a three-and-out on its initial possession of the game. The Rams got ticking soon after, putting points on the board in their next seven drives.