Seawolves Win Double Overtime Homecoming Thriller

By Henry Danner and Kevin Leto

It took the Seawolves two overtimes and two 40 yard field goals to hold off the Maine Blackbears in a 30-23 thriller, clinched by a Conte Cuttino touchdown run, in front of a homecoming record crowd of 7,238 at LaValle Stadium.

Junior kicker Luke Gaddis made three field goals including a 40 yard attempt with 1.7 seconds left to send the game into overtime. Gaddis also added a 41 yard field goal in the first overtime to tie the game and force a second.

Conte Cuttino was the man of the night for the Seawolves, finishing with a football style hat trick of 3 touchdowns and 171 yards rushing.

“I’m very proud of him,” second year head coach Chuck Priore said of his star sophomore tailback.  “He helped us to be successful.”

Josh Dudash kept the ‘Wolves in the game as he threw for 222 yards completing 66 percent of his passes, which is 10 yards more and 10 percent higher than his season averages.

During the first half of play, Stony Brook was sluggish on defense, especially stopping Maine’s ground attack. The defense did make stops when they were needed, with big interceptions by junior cornerback Mike McCoy and senior defensive back Chris Brevi. McCoy’s interception came with 6:35 left in the game and Stony Brook trailing by three points.

The ‘Wolves were also slacking on offense, making it hard for them to gain good position on the field.  The first Seawolves touchdown came on a trick play on fourth down and one yard to go, with Cuttino receiving a direct snap and turning it into a 25 yard run bringing the massive crowd to their feet.

The first four quarters of the game saw Stony Brook and Maine trading ten-point scoring spurts. Maine took a quick ten point lead to start the game, but the Seawolves battled back to tie the game and gain momentum heading into the half.

Maine began the second half with a 49 yard touchdown screen pass from freshman quarterback Adam Farkes to junior tailback Jhamal Fluellen, then later added a 25 yard field goal by senior Bobby Donnelly, to extend their lead to 20-10.

Stony Brook battled back and got into the end zone again with 7:36 remaining in the game to cut the deficit down to three points. McCoy’s interception gave Stony Brook the ball back with a little over six and a half minutes left to play. Gaddis then missed a 25 yard field goal that would have tied the game.

The miss brought the once vibrant cheers of the Seawolves fans to an abrupt halt.  Everyone was sure that the game was over but aided by a holding call against Maine, Stony Brook’s defense forced Maine into a three and out. A bad punt gave Stony Brook a second chance at midfield with 45.9 seconds left. Gaddis then made the 40 yard field goal with 1.7 seconds to force overtime.

In the first overtime both teams traded field goals to knot the game once again. Stony Brook’s drive in the second overtime ended with the 9 yard touchdown run by Conte Cuttino, giving them a seven point lead.

Maine buckled under the pressure and their freshman quarterback threw his second interception of the game.  The pick by Brevi came on Maine’s second play during the second overtime and ended the game.

Priore, in his second year as head football coach of the Seawolves, said after the game, “We needed to win a close game.” He was referring to the recent close losses to Hofstra and Albany. When asked if the fact that it was homecoming meant anything he responded, “Yes, the fans and alumni definitely helped.”

Priore went on to describe the win as a “confidence builder.”  The Seawolves will take on Bryant next Saturday, October 27.  Game time is 4pm.