Cornell captures first home victory to highlight Homecoming

MOUNT VERNON — Cornell needed a victory, and the Rams really needed this one.

So much that Vince Brautigam switched from head coach to cheerleader, shedding his headset during the Rams' final defensive stand, turning to the home crowd and urging them to get on their feet to make noise.

Cornell rang the Victory Bell at Ash Park for the first time this season, celebrating Homecoming with a 28-24 win over Knox on Saturday.

'This was our first win at home this season,' Cornell senior defensive lineman Andrew Joseph said. 'It is a great confidence booster. It's been awhile since we've heard that bell ring and it was nice to be able to do it on Homecoming in front of a large crowd of alumni, family and friends.'

Celebrations were delayed as Knox drove to Cornell's 32 with about a minute left. Brautigam showed his fiery demeanor, rallying players and fans after a timeout. Joseph stuffed a run and the Rams forced two incompletions to end the threat and secure the victory.

'I played with emotion and coach with emotion,' Brautigam said. 'We're awfully young defensively. I made our sideline get involved, which it was, and it was nice to see the crowd with some encouragement and get loud. It helps the young guys out.'

The game played out similar to most games this season. The Rams battled back from a double-digit deficit twice, trailing by 10 with 5:34 to go in the third quarter. They have made a habit of playing better after halftime.

'It's like a roller coaster, but it's a fun ride to get on with those ups and downs,' Brautigam said. 'One thing I'll say is this young bunch never gives up. They have intestinal fortitude, handle adversity and break down the door.

'They're getting better. They're able to handle it better. I'm just proud of how they fight week after week.'

Cornell quarterback Daniel Brown connected on two of his four touchdown passes in the final 15:34. He hit Riley Bell, who made a leaping grab in the back of the end zone for a 13-yard score near the end of the third.

Cornell (3-4, 2-3) displayed a quick-strike offense at times, producing a pair of one-play scoring drives. Brown was able to sit untouched in the pocket before delivering a 61-yard scoring strike to Justin Ramirez for the lead with 11:10 left in the game. Brown also hit Bell for a 36-yard TD on a one-play drive that pulled the Rams within 14-7 in the second quarter.

'We've been working on it,' Brautigam said about deep throws. 'It is there, because people are sitting up tight on our underneath stuff. We have to hit the over the top passes.'

Brown finished with 254 passing yards, including 74 to Ramirez.

Knox (1-6, 1-4) jumped to a 14-0 lead, blocking a punt for a touchdown and adding a Braeden Westfall 1-yard run in the first quarter. Knox QB Matt McCaffrey scorched the Rams with the read option run, amassing 135 yards on the ground after the first quarter. He ended with 124 rushing yards after Cornell shut down the play when defenders stuck to their assignments.

'Our adjustments were just to do our jobs,' Joseph said. 'One thing (assistant) coach (Jay) Davis says, if everyone does their jobs and 11 men to the football then there's no way we can lose the game. Everyone did.'

Joseph had six tackles, assisted on a sack and had three quarterback hurries, pressuring McCaffery and disrupting the Knox passing game.

'He is a better person than he is a football player,' Brautigam said. 'I think he is a pretty darn good football player.'

The victory meant even more to Joseph. He had family from Louisiana attend the game the day after he was named Homecoming King. The result completed a special trifecta.

'It just adds to the weekend,' Joseph said. 'It's a perfect weekend.'

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