ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell linebacker Jason Milo was named the Collegiate Sprint Football League Co-Defensive Player of the Week, while quarterback Beck Berry earned Rookie of the Week honors after helping the Big Red secure its first victory of the season, a 26-17 decision over D'Youville on Saturday at Schoellkopf Field.
Milo, a freshman linebacker, turned in a game-changing defensive performance with a team-high eight tackles, two tackles for loss and two interceptions. His second interception came with 3:34 remaining in the fourth quarter and Cornell protecting a 19-17 lead, giving the Big Red possession near midfield. Cornell capitalized on the turnover with a six-play, 48-yard touchdown drive that sealed the win.
Berry, a freshman quarterback, completed 10 of 14 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He connected with Miles Mariani on scoring strikes of 77 and 19 yards, accounting for both of Cornell's passing touchdowns in the victory. Berry's 77-yard touchdown pass early in the first quarter gave the Big Red its first lead of the afternoon.
"Every game is won on a team effort, but it is also important to recognize outstanding individual achievement," Cornell head coach Michael Huyghue said. "The awards by Jason and Beck are testaments to their hard work and competitiveness every day in practice. I am confident we will see their names again on similar lists this season."
Milo helped anchor a Cornell defense that limited D'Youville to 77 total yards on 43 offensive plays. The Saints managed minus-15 rushing yards, while the Big Red recorded 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions. The linebacker's first pick came in the third quarter, stopping a D'Youville drive after the Saints had moved into Cornell territory. He added another stop behind the line and was credited with one solo tackle and seven assists.
Berry directed an offense that accumulated 361 total yards, including 172 through the air. In addition to his two touchdown passes, he added four rushing yards and helped Cornell convert five third downs while controlling possession for 36 minutes, 19 seconds. Mariani finished as Berry's top target with three receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Andrew Lay paced the ground game with 108 rushing yards and a touchdown, including an eight-yard score in the final 1:05 that put the game out of reach.
Cornell improved to 1-2 overall and head to Sparkill, NY on Saturday to face St. Thomas Aquinas College at 1:00 p.m.
