Senior Andrew Rogowski made a 34-yard field goal as time expired in the football team’s 13-10 win against Frostburg State University (3–5, 2–3 Empire 8 Conference) at Butterfield Stadium.
Rogowski, who hit another 34-yard field goal in the second quarter, said making the game-winning field goal was the best moment of his four-year career.
“I’ve been kicking for four years and never had that chance,” Rogowski said. “And to have the chance today and to put it through as the clock expired, I just can’t explain it.”
The victory pushed the Bombers (4–4, 2–4) back to the .500 mark and kept the Bombers’ streak of 40 straight winning seasons in tact. It is the second longest streak of its nature at any level of college football.
The Bombers’ offense sputtered for most of the game, scoring three points in the first 58:50 until they erupted for ten points in the final 1:10.
Sophomore quarterback Phil Neumann navigated two key scoring drives in the fourth quarter to lead the comeback. He threw one touchdown to senior wide receiver Dan Ruffrage on a fourth down play deep inside the red zone.
The Blue and Gold attacked Frostburg State University through the air. Neumann had 42 pass attempts, completing 26 passes for 246 yards and one touchdown.
Junior wideout Joseph Ingrao caught eight balls for 76 yards and consistently converted on crucial third down plays.
The Bombers defense played solidly, coming up with stops when it appeared the Bobcats were driving. Senior cornerback Spence White forced a fumble on the Bombers’ 15 yard line for the team’s only caused turnover of the game. He finished with three solo tackles and six assisted tackles.
The Blue and Gold held a prolific Frostburg offense, who put up 556 total yards, to only 170 yards through the air and 120 yards on the ground.
Senior linebacker Eric Toporoff said the Bombers had game planned to shut down the run.
“We knew they were going to try to run it and we really focused on it all week — we had to stop the run,” Toporoff said. “At times we struggled, but overall I think we did well.”
The South Hill squad had the benefit of familiarity with the Frostburg State offense, as Bobcat offensive coordinator Gabe Luvara had previously been its offensive coordinator for three seasons from 2007 to 2009.
Toporoff said knowledge was a key factor in preparing for the game.
“They run the same things we do, so we see it everyday, week in and week out, and it’s just whether or not we can stop it,” he said.
Frostburg State freshman running back J.D. Hook said the game was an outright battle. He was the game’s biggest playmaker, as he ran for 97 yards on 25 carries with one touchdown.
The Bombers return to action at 1 p.m. next Saturday against Alfred University at Butterfield Stadium. Though they are out of playoff contention, the Bombers will need to win to keep their streak of winning seasons alive.
