The football team (3—1) captured its first Empire 8 Conference victory this afternoon by defeating the Hartwick Hawks (2—2) 27-13 at Wright Stadium in Oneonta, N.Y.

The team scored half of its touchdowns on offense and the other half on special teams and defense.

The Bombers’ special teams play was extraordinary – the team blocked a field goal in the first half, an extra-point in the second half and senior wide receiver Dan Ruffrage returned a kickoff 91 yards for a crucial touchdown with just under seven minutes to play.

Ruffrage also caught six balls for 75 yards and a touchdown. Junior quarterback Jason Hendel threw for 217 yards and went 18 for 26 with a pair of touchdowns and two interceptions. Junior wideout JJ Crandall was the recipient of the other touchdown pass.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior cornerback Mike Conti returned an interception 88 yards for the Bombers’ last touchdown. Senior cornerback Spence White led the team with nine tackles and also blocked both field goal attempts. Senior linebacker Joe Gilfedder had eight tackles and one sack.

Though the Hawks outgained the Bombers by 103 yards, the Blue and Gold’s defense had five sacks and recovered three fumbles.

The team returns home at 1pm next week to face St. John Fisher College at Butterfield Stadium.