Game 1: Buffalo State Bengals at Brockport Golden Eagles
Bob Boozer Field – Brockport, NY
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The matchup
It is a new era for the Buffalo State football program as the Bengals open their season with the annual I-90 Bowl against the Brockport Golden Eagles. Head Coach Mike Neale enters his first season with the Bengals as they aim to snap Brockport's nine-game win streak in the rivalry. The Golden Eagles have a 26-17 record against Buffalo State and have not lost to the Bengals since 2015.
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Last time we met
Both sides opened their 2025 campaigns against each other last season, when the Golden Eagles came away with a 41-0 victory on Coyer Field.
Quarterback Amir Cameron (Brooklyn, NY/James Madison) threw for 69 yards and rushed for 23. Keegan Whitfield (Fredonia, NY/Fredonia) led the receiving room with a 43-yard catch.
On the defensive side, Isaiah DeCamp had 10 total tackles, including one for a loss, while Sincere Green tallied eight total tackles.
After both sides forced a fumble on their first possessions, Brockport eventually marched downfield to score the first touchdown of the evening. The Golden Eagles added a pair of touchdowns early in the second quarter before the Bengals threatened as Cameron found Whitfield downfield for Buffalo State's biggest play of the evening. Brockport took a 21-0 lead into halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Golden Eagles scored on their first possession with a 56-yard touchdown from Nathan Williams. Brockport's defense held the Bengals silent as the Golden Eagles scored again to carry a 35-0 lead into the fourth quarter. The Golden Eagles sealed the deal with a "scoop and score" as Chamarr Ware forced a fumble and returned it all the way for a touchdown. Brockport later took a knee to run out the final seconds and secure the win.
For Brockport, Isaiah Simmons rushed for 176 yards and three touchdowns, while Ben Gocella threw for 140 yards and a touchdown.
Oh captain! My captain!
Leading the Bengals this season are captains Amir Cameron and Brody Stevens (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park). Cameron and Stevens are two key returners for the Bengals this season, with Cameron leading the way on the offensive side of the ball and Stevens on the defensive side.
Cameron played in seven games last year, totaling over 1,000 yards with four touchdowns. Stevens appeared in all ten games, tallying 66 tackles and three pass breakups.
About the Bengals' coach
Mike Neale enters his first season leading Buffalo State after most recently serving as the defensive coordinator at Delaware Valley for two seasons. During his time with the Aggies, the team compiled a 16-6 overall record and ranked second in total defense and scoring defense in the country in 2024.
A native of San Diego, Calif., Neale has totaled more than 20 years of coaching experience in all three phases, as well as a head coach, including 19 years at the Division III level.
Eyes on the Golden Eagles
Brockport finished last season with a record of 7-4 (4-3 Empire 8), including an impressive 5-1 record on Bob Boozer Field. The Golden Eagles earned a trip to the ECAC Robert M. "Scotty" Whitelaw Bowl, where they defeated Geneva 46-10.
Head Coach Jason Mangone has led Brockport since the 2013 season. During his tenure, the Golden Eagles have earned six bowl games, three trips to the NCAA Tournament, and finished as high as fifth in the country in the national rankings.
Schedules/results
Buffalo State (0-0, 0-0 Liberty League)
- Sept. 5 – at Brockport, 7 p.m.
- Sept. 12 – at Hartwick, 12 p.m.
- Sept. 19 – Alfred State (Homecoming), 1 p.m.
- Sept. 26 – at Union, 1 p.m.
- Oct. 3 – at Rochester, 1 p.m.
- Oct. 10 – RPI, 12 p.m.
- Oct. 24 – Hilbert, 3 p.m.
- Oct. 31 – Ithaca, 3 p.m.
- Nov. 7 – at St. Lawrence, 1 p.m.
- Nov. 14 – Hobart, 1 p.m.
*** Liberty League contest ***
Brockport (0-0, 0-0 Empire 8)
- Sept. 5 – Buffalo State, 7 p.m.
- Sept. 12 – at Hobart, 1 p.m.
- Sept. 19 – RPI, 1 p.m.
- Sept. 26 – at Hartwick, 12 p.m.
- Oct. 3 – St. John Fisher, 6 p.m.
- Oct. 17 – at Alfred State, 12 p.m.
- Oct. 24 – Morrisville, 12 p.m.
- Oct. 31 – at Alfred, 12 p.m.
- Nov. 7 – Cortland, 12 p.m.
- Nov. 14 – at Utica, 12 p.m.
*** Empire 8 contest ***
