By Dante Iafrate
@danteiafrate
In a season defined by resilience and grit, the Springfield College football team delivered its most emphatic statement yet. Facing the reigning national champions and No. 2 team in the country, the Pride toppled the Cortland Red Dragons 40-28 on the road in the third round of the NCAA Division III Football Championship, securing their place in the national quarterfinals.
“This is arguably one of the best teams in the program’s history, and it’s really special to be a part of,” head coach Mike Cerasuolo said. “The credit goes to these players; they live it every day and they executed it Saturday.”
From the opening whistle, Springfield displayed its characteristic physicality, marching 75 yards in 13 plays on the opening drive. Arsen Shtefan powered the Pride with 29 carries for 148 yards and two touchdowns, while Blane Hart added two scores and 87 yards. However, it was backup quarterback Drew Heenan who delivered the defining moment. With 9:25 left in the third quarter and the Pride trailing 28-27, Heenan sprinted 55 yards to the end zone, shifting the momentum firmly in Springfield’s favor.
“The most impressive thing is they never wavered,” said Cerasuolo. “There were times it would have been easy to question what was going on—a snap over the punter’s head, a couple of fumbles—but they stayed locked in.”
The Springfield defense rose to the occasion when it mattered the most. Cam Hart had the crucial stop on fourth-and-short late in the fourth quarter to cement the historic win. The Pride’s front constantly pressured Cortland’s high-powered offense, one that includes one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Timely blitzes and disciplined fundamentals proved to be the difference, as they registered five sacks on the day.
“We made the timely calls defensively to get pressure on one of the best players in the country,” Cerasuolo added. “From front to back end, everybody stepped up. It was an unbelievable effort.”
Springfield’s success wasn’t all smooth sailing. A snap over the punter’s head and two costly fumbles gave Cortland opportunities to swing the game. But the Pride’ ability to generate turnovers of their own—including a pivotal fumble recovery on a kickoff return—kept momentum on their side. Springfield forced Cortland’s All-American quarterback Zac Boyes to throw two interceptions. Coming into the game he had thrown just one all season. Springfield forced Cortland into three total turnovers, a testament to the Pride’s defensive tenacity and preparation.
“Defensively, we started really getting some good pressure on the quarterback without having to bring extra blitzers,” said Cerasuolo. “But when we did blitz, it was timely and impactful. The players’ ability to execute those moments was key.”
Hart made similarly impactful plays offensively, including a third-down run that gained 46 yards on what amounted to a game-sealing touchdown drive. The five-yard plunge with over two minutes left in the game, capped off a Springfield 12-play, 98-yard drive balanced by the use of both methodical, pounding runs and big-play potential out of individual talent.
Springfield, which ranked 20th in the AFCA Division III Coaches Poll and 23rd in the D3football.com Poll coming into the game, now prepares for the No. 1-ranked North Central Cardinals. A win would not only mean another monumental upset but also send the Pride back to Stagg Field to host a semifinal game for the first time in school history.
The team’s focus, however, remains rooted in the present. “We tell the guys all the time to be where your feet are right now,” said Cerasuolo. “We’re fortunate enough to have another week of practice and another opportunity to compete. That’s what matters most.”
The success this season for Springfield is the culmination of years of building and a relentless commitment to building what Cerasuolo calls the “brotherhood.” The players and coaches have taken to heart the team’s philosophy of always getting better, and that has taken them to new heights.
“Every single day, we take another step in the process,” Cerasuolo said. “Right now, we’re just fortunate to see where it goes next.”
For a team that continues to exceed expectations, Springfield’s journey isn’t just about making history—it’s about proving to the country what the Pride have always believed, that they belong among the nation’s elite.
Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics