The Bombers improved to 8–1 overall and earned a share of the Empire 8 title as they defeated Alfred University 43–35 Saturday.

The Blue and Gold led from halftime on after freshman kicker Andrew Rogowski hit a career-long 26-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. Sophomore linebacker Matt Dibble set up the field goal with a 43-yard interception return that put the Bombers on the Alfred 11-yard line.

Back-ups stepped up for the Blue and Gold as they lost junior running back Thomas Bergerstock and senior quarterback Dan Juvan to injuries.

Sophomore running back Dan Ruggiero led the rushing attack joining Bergerstock as the second running back to score four touchdowns in a single game. Ruggiero picked up 192 yards on 25 carries.

The Bomber defense led the way to victory as they stopped the Saxons four straight times inside the 10-yard line in the final minute of the game. The South Hill squad also blocked two field goal attempts. Senior cornerback Jason Chier blocked the first attempt in the second quarter and junior defensive end Joe Goetz blocked the second attempt later in the game.

Chier also had 10 tackles and recovered a fumble in the game, while senior linebacker Matt Scalice recorded a game-high 15 tackles.

The 18th-ranked Bombers wrap up the regular season at noon Saturday as they take on undefeated fifth-ranked SUNY-Cortland in the 50th annual Cortaca Jug in Cortland, N.Y.