Columbia falls to Fordham in opener

Though Columbia had some strong stretches, the Lions weren’t able to defend the Liberty Cup title, falling to Fordham 16-9.

Things did not start off well for the Lions. In the first quarter, the defense gave up 91 yards, while the offense was only able to notch 37. Fordham was unable to capitalize on this advantage, though, and only managed to score three points off a 24-yard field goal by Patrick Murray.

The Light Blue began to settle in during the second quarter, though. Sophomore quarterback Sean Brackett, who completed only two of his six passes in the first quarter, was 3-4 for 52 yards. The offense also picked up 43 rushing yards in the second quarter, compared to just 19 in the first.

The defense improved after the first 15 minutes also, holding the Rams to just 51 yards. Fordham’s quarterback Blake Wayne had a much harder time completing his passes, too. After completing six of 10 in the first quarter, Wayne was only 2-7 in the second quarter.

Though Columbia was playing much better, they were only able to even the score off a 34-yard field goal by Dean Perfetti.

Shortly after the half, though, the Lions finally broke through. Brackett threw a 14-yard pass to senior wide receiver Mike Stephens who caught the ball in the end zone, capping off a 21-yard, three-play drive. The Light Blue failed to earn the extra point though, as Perfetti’s kick was blocked, giving Columbia a lead of just 9-3.

Fordham responded on its next drive when Murray converted a 22-yard field goal, cutting the Lions’ lead to just three.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Stephens was hit hard while receiving a Fordham punt. He stayed down for a few minutes before limping off the field. Things got worse the Light Blue after that, as the Rams tied up the game with a field goal and then took the lead with a touchdown. The Light Blue never recovered, falling 16-9.

More to come following Coach Wilson's press conference.