Syracuse Escapes with 20–18 Win Over Colonials

Irondequoit, NY – Syracuse Strong (3-0, AAA) returned to the field after a week’s rest and took an early lead over the visiting Charlotte Colonials (2-2, AA) at McAvoy Park. Strong kept their winning streak going after beating the opponent 20-18 in regulation.

The Colonials applied early pressure, forcing Syracuse into negative-yardage situations on their first two series. But on Strong’s third possession—facing a critical fourth-and-long—quarterback Shakeem Buckmon connected with Brandon Ray on a perfectly timed slant across the right flank. Ray hauled in the 41-yard strike and powered his way into the end zone, giving Syracuse a 6–0 advantage.

Building on that momentum, the Strong offense marched downfield with runs, picking up a first-down gain of Duran Jackson and Ray before breaking into the Colonials' territory. Buckmon then found tight end Rhashay Whitfield for a 22-yard completion to the 15-yard line. However, Charlotte’s defense stiffened, and on third down, they picked off Buckmon’s next attempt to halt the threat.

Photo: ShutterUp!

Despite the turnover, Syracuse’s defense responded ferociously. They generated consistent pressure in the backfield, drawing two incompletions and forcing a fumble deep in the Colonials' territory. On the quarter’s final play—a quick slant that looked destined for a big gain—linebacker Phil McCarthy jumped the route and secured a highlight-reel interception, preserving Syracuse’s shutout heading into the halftime break.

Syracuse quickly responded in the third quarter by converting a third-and-10 when Shakeem Buckmon threw a quick pass to Jackson at midfield. Jackson’s acceleration took him to the 29-yard line, setting up Brandon Ray, who dodged defenders for a 24-yard touchdown, making the score 12–0. 

Rochester responded instantly on the next play, narrowing the gap to 12–6 with a long passing touchdown before entering the fourth quarter. During the following drive, Strong lost control of the ball after the opponent’s kick, giving possession to the Colonials. Rochester then moved its offense closer to Syracuse’s end zone, and by the end of the third quarter, the score was tied at 12–12.

Photo: ShutterUp!

In the fourth quarter, Strong trailed 12-18 as the Colonials scored on a 40-yard passing touchdown to take their first lead of the game. Syracuse answered right away: on the following drive, McCarthy intercepted a pass and strided through the traffic before sliding on the 45-yard line. Three plays later, Buckmon scored from four yards out, tying the game at 18–18. 

With less than two minutes remaining, the Strong’s defense made the play—Pat Coe and Amos Woodrun teamed up to sack the Colonials’ ball carrier in the end zone for a two-point safety, clinching the dramatic 20–18 win.

Syracuse will return home on July 12, facing Watertown R&B at Sunnycrest Field.