If the Shoes fit (Union @ RPI, 11/12/22)

 The Battle For The Dutchmen's Shoes is the oldest sports rivalry in the 518. There have been disputes about the accuracy of records in the series, but it also provides some late season theatre for football fans of Union and RPI, in addition to the annual season series in hockey between the two schools.

Today marked the first time the game was played at RPI's East Campus Village Stadium since 2018, as the 2020 game was cancelled due to COVID. Union won the toss and deferred to the 2nd half. Still smarting from a narrow loss to Ithaca last week that cost the Dutchmen the Liberty League title, this turned out to be a big mistake.

RPI marched down the field, and Dylan Burnett ran it in from the 1 yard line to give the Engineers an early 7-0 lead. After RPI special teams blocked a Union punt, the Engineers struck again, this time with Jake Kazanowsky finding Deen Ninche for 22 yards. RPI led, 14-0, after the 1st quarter.

Following a Maric Aleksandar field goal, which extended the Engineer lead to 17-0 in the 2nd quarter, Union finally got on the board with just under a minute left in the half, as Donovan Pacatte hit Avery Turton for a 31 yard scoring strike. Still, RPI led, 17-7, at the break.

Union took the 2nd half kickoff, and promptly cut the lead down even further. Coach Jeff Behrman decided he liked Ike. Ike Irabor, that is, who rumbled 63 yards to the house. However, the extra point was blocked, and Union cut the lead to four at 17-13. In all, RPI special teams had three blocks on the day, two punts and the PAT.

Less than a minute into the 4th quarter, RPI put the game away as Kazanowsky & Burnett hooked up for a 32 yard touchdown. RPI keeps the Shoes for the 2nd straight year, 23-13.

Check the video:

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Elsewhere:

UAlbany got a touchdown on the final play of the game in the home finale at Casey Stadium, coming from behind to beat Maine, 23-21. The Great Danes had dropped seven straight to the Black Bears prior to today's game.

In high school play:

Ravena clinched the Class B title with an emphatic 44-6 blowout win over Lansingburgh at Shenendehowa. The Knights lost their glass cleats on their way to Clifton Park before the game.

Cambridge-Salem won the Class D crown, battering Chatham, 36-13.

We'll have field hockey and soccer scores tomorrow. We hope.