Flores fuels 36-35 comeback win at Olivet

Cornell sophomore quarterback Juan Flores accounted for four touchdowns, including the game-winning strike to Thomas Connor midway through the fourth quarter that propelled the Rams past Olivet, 36-35, in Saturday's season opener at Cutler Athletic Complex.

Cornell overcame a 21-3 first-half deficit in a wild game of big plays that saw the lead switch hands five times in the second half. The Rams earned their first victory under second-year head coach Vince Brautigam, whose squad endured several close calls last season.

"We had just about everything happen today. There were a ton of big plays by both teams," Brautigam said. "Even though we have a young team, our guys showed their resiliency. They came back and found a way to finish. Everybody contributed. It was a total team effort."

A see-saw second half had Olivet (0-1) gain its final lead at 35-30 on a 90-yard kickoff return early in the fourth quarter. However, minutes later Cornell's special teams came up with a game-shifting play of its own. Freshman Alex Latow blocked an Olivet punt and junior teammate Chris Lopez recovered at the Comets' 25-yard line.

Flores and the Rams took advantage on what proved to be the winning drive. Flores completed 3-of-3 passes, capped by a 3-yard toss to Connor for the decisive touchdown that put the Rams ahead 36-35 with 7:16 remaining. Cornell's two-point conversion attempt failed, but it didn't matter as Olivet gave up the ball on downs on its next series and the Rams were able to run out the rest of the clock.

Flores rushed for a game-high 103 yards on 11 carries with a pair of touchdown runs. His 1-yard score pulled the Rams to within 21-10 just before the first half ended. Flores broke free for a 44-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter that gave the Rams a 30-28 lead.

Flores finished an efficient passing day 12-of-16 for 123 yards and two touchdowns. He hooked up with freshman Justin Cox on a 7-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter which pulled the Rams ahead 24-21.

The Rams got a momentum boost from sophomore safety Nick Brautigam on Olivet's first possession of the third quarter. Brautigam intercepted a Comets' pass and raced 60 yards for a touchdown just three minutes into the second half, moving the Rams to within 21-17.

Cornell sophomore Anthony Bridges started the game's scoring with a 38-yard field goal midway through the first quarter. The points were set up by junior Shane McNally's 73-yard fumble return to the Olivet 7.

Freshman Jason Propheter rushed 14 times for 63 yards in his Cornell debut. Connor led the receiving corps with seven catches for 78 yards. James Scully had three receptions for 31 yards, and Justin Cox caught two balls for 44 yards.

Senior linebacker Tyler Bailey posted a game-high 13 tackles, including four for losses. Brautigam collected 10 tackles, while Jeremy Demlow and Geoffrey Miller each had seven.

The Rams held a 342-302 edge in total yards and did not commit a turnover. Cornell was penalized 12 times for 105 yards.

Cornell is home next Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff against Macalester at Ash Park Stadium.