ITHACA, N.Y. – Cornell sprint football will look to get back on track when it travels to West Point to take on the Black Knights on Friday. The Big Red started quick against Penn in its latest contest, but turnovers proved costly as Penn ran away with the game in the second half 36-19. Cornell will look to get back in the win column on Friday, while dealing a loss to an Army team that has not lost in over two seasons. Opening kick is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
 
Cornell Big Red (1-1) at Army Black Knights (2-0)
Friday, Oct. 3, 2014 | 7:00 PM | West Point, N.Y. – Shea Stadium
All-Time Series: Cornell Trails 18-56-0
Last Meeting (2013): Cornell Lost, 0-22
Live Stats | Live Video ($)
 
SCOUTING CORNELL
 
Big Red Headlines
Cornell sprint football dropped its first contest of the 2014 campaign, coming up short against Ivy League rival Penn 36-19 at Franklin Field last Friday. While the Big Red rolled right down the field for a touchdown on its opening drive, the Quakers scored 29 of the next 32 points in the contest to snatch the victory. Turnovers were the key, as Penn forced three and scored 14 points off of turnovers to run away with the victory.
 
About Head Coach Terry Cullen
Cullen is a Cornell legend and has been a patriarch of the sprint football program at the University for over five decades. He enters his 51^st season with the program in 2014, after joining his father; former sprint football head coach Bob Cullen, in 1964. He has amassed a 171-140-7 career record with the program, leading the team to two undefeated seasons and six league titles. Cullen shared coaching responsibilities with his father through the 1995 season, before serving as the sole head coach from 1996-2007. His position became officially known as The Terry Cullen Head Coach of Sprint Football in 2001.
 
About Co-Head Coach Bart Guccia
Guccia enters his tenth season as a member of the sprint football coaching staff and his seventh as co-head coach in 2014. A bright offensive mind, Guccia has brought a balanced offensive attack to the Big Red since his installment as co-head coach. The offense looked in mid-season form in the team's home opener, as the Big Red moved the ball at will through the air and on the ground in route to the three touchdown victory. He is responsible for the majority of on-field coaching and gameday decisions. The Big Red is 37-26 since he joined the program in 2005.
 
Last Meeting vs. Army
The Big Red was shutout 22-0 in last season's meeting with the Black Knights at Schoellkopf Field. It was a defensive battle for the majority, as Army was only able to muster a safety and 25-yard field goal through the first three quarters. While the Cornell defense was stout, the offense could not find any momentum against the Black Knights, only mustering 102-total yards of offense. The Black Knights ran away with the game in the final quarter, scoring 17 points against a tired Big Red defense corps.
 
Captain Quartet
The Big Red has four captains who will bring a wealth of leadership to the team in key areas this fall. The four senior captains are First Team All-CSFL defensive back Chris Sitko, Second Team All-CSFL defensive lineman Eric Stazi, and Second Team All-CSFL offensive linemen Greg Zalevsky and Bennett Winters.
 
Strength in the Trenches
Traditionally, the team that wins the battle at the line of scrimmage has the best chance of winning the game. If tradition is any indication, the Big Red should have a great chance to do well in 2014. The team returns two all-league players on the offensive line in Zalevsky and Winters. The defensive front seven looks fearsome as Stazi and Carfi return to anchor the defensive line, while all-league linebackers D'Ambrosio and Park provide support behind them. The strength of the offensive line was on full display against the Quakers, as the Big Red racked up 238-net rushing yards.
 
Under Center
Pannullo had a breakout game in his first game as the full-time starter. He collected 211 all-purpose yards, while accounting for all four scores. His excellent performance netted him CSFL Offensive Player of the Week honors for the opening week of the season. He is the first Big Red player to win the award since Abe Mellinger in the opening week of the 2012 season. His road debut was not as friendly, as he was held to just 104-yards through the air and 46-yards on the ground, while accounting for all three of the Big Red turnovers. He will look to overcome the adversity with a strong showing against the Black Knights.
 
Best in the Backfield
Junior running back Benjamin Herrera is establishing himself as one of the best backs in the CSFL this season. He posted his second consecutive big game against the Quakers, rushing for 133-yards on 24-carries, adding a two-yard scoring plunge on the team's opening drive of the game. Through two games he has accounted for 249 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.
 
Dominant D'Ambrosio
Sophomore linebacker Christopher D'Ambrosio has been a force all over the field in the first two games this season. He leads the team with 14 total tackles – 11 solo and 3 assist – nearly double of any other player for the Big Red. He has been a frequent presence in the opponent's backfield, registering 2.5 tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks. He also has been strong in coverage, registering one of the Big Red's two interceptions this season.
 
SCOUTING ARMY
 
Black Knight Headlines
Army was seriously tested by Franklin Pierce in its matchup last Friday at Shea Stadium. The Black Knights were able to outlast the Ravens, putting up 17 points in the fourth quarter to come from behind and beat the Ravens 27-13. J.J. Wartski hooked up with Zachary Woods on a 19-yard scoring pass to score the game-winning touchdown with 12:22 remaining. The Black Knights enter this weekend with a 2-0 record and currently sit in a three-way tie atop the CSFL standings.
 
About Head Coach Lt. Col. Mark West
Lt. Col. West is in his sixth season at the helm of the Black Knights' sprint football program. The team has been a fixture at the top of the league standings under his leadership. Taking over a team that had posted losing seasons for four consecutive years, he put the program on the winning path. The Black Knights went 6-1 in his second season finishing second in the league standings. He was absent for the 2010 season as he served a one year tour of duty in Iraq. He returned in 2011, leading the Knights to a 5-2 mark, falling to Navy in the de-facto league championship game. He has led the Black Knights to two consecutive undefeated seasons, since the loss to the rival Midshipmen, capturing to league titles in the process. His record at the school is 29-8.
 
Lt. Col. Mark West was a three-year starter at quarterback for the sprint football team in the early 90's. He led the Black Knights to three consecutive CSFL titles during his playing career.
 
Impressive Winning Streak
Army enters this weekend on almost unfathomable run. The Black Knights have won 16 consecutive games dating back to the beginning of the 2012 season. Army has not lost since a 28-6 defeat at the hands of hated rival Navy in the season finale on November 4, 2011.
 
Defense Wins Championships
The Black Knights are known for its punishing defense. Army ranked second in the league in total defense two seasons ago, while it led the league in total defense in its CSFL title defense last season. The team hasn't missed a beat on the defensive end this season, ranking second in the league, allowing just 206-yards per game.
 
Aerial Attack
On the offensive side of the ball, Army operates a high paced spread that dissects opponents through the air. The Black Knights lead the conference averaging 263 yards per game, while already scoring six touchdowns through the air. J.J. Wartski leads the league with 526-yards passing, while he is completing 58.1% of his passes (50-86). He is second in the league with a passing efficiency of 127.9.
 
UP NEXT
Cornell will conclude its three-game road trip next Friday, as the team travels to Princeton to take on the Tigers. Opening kick is scheduled for 7 p.m.