FROSTBURG, Md. – Ithaca College scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to earn a 40-21 victory over Frostburg State University in the Empire 8 opener for both schools, Saturday.

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The Bobcats (2-2, 0-1) trailed 20-7 when a sophomore JD Hook touchdown cut the deficit to 20-14 late in the third quarter. However, Ithaca (3-0, 1-0) scored three touchdowns on its first three possession of the fourth quarter to take control of the game.

Hook accounted for both Bobcat touchdowns on the afternoon. He scored from two yards out with 47 seconds left in the second quarter that handed Frostburg a 7-3 lead.

Ithaca answered with a 75 yard drive that took just four plays to cap the first half. The drive ended with a 52-yard touchdown strike from Phil Neumann to Joseph Ingrao for a 10-7 Bomber lead at intermission.

Ithaca continued the momentum into the second half as it scored 10 points on its first two drives of the third quarter. Garrett Nicholson kicked an 18 yard field goal (8:49) and Clay Ardoin scored on a 49 yard touchdown run (6:18) that handed the Bombers a 20-7 lead.

Hook’s second score of the game with 2:38 to play in the third cut the deficit to 20-14. The Bobcats covered 77 yards on nine plays for the score, their longest drive of the contest.

Ithaca’s Jared Prugar (12:10) hauled in a 27 yard touchdown pass from Neumann to open the fourth quarter scoring. Jarrett Naiden (10:16) scored from four yards out on a one-play drive for Ithaca that capitalized on an FSU interception. Ardoin later added his second rushing touchdown of the half to cap Ithaca’s scoring when he found the end zone from 22 yards out with 6:49 to play.

Frostburg State capitalized on Ithaca’s only turnover late in the fourth quarter. After recovering a fumble at the Ithaca 25, the Bobcats used seven plays for the final score. Sophomore Ken Emmons connected with senior Anthony Young for a four yard touchdown pass with 44 seconds left to bring the final to 40-21.

The FSU offense totaled 282 yards, including 170 on the ground. Individually, Hook accounted for 106 yards on 18 carries and two scores. Sophomore Michael Fourth finished with 35 yards on three carries. Young caught seven passes for 79 yards and the fourth quarter score.

Emmons threw for 112 yards on 12-of-25 attempts, including his sixth touchdown toss of the season.

Ithaca totaled 407 yards of offense behind 249 yards passing from Neumann. The junior finished 17-of-27 with a pair of scores. Ingrao grabbed 11 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown while Ardoin ran for 118 yards and two scores.

Bobcat freshman Rowan Pinkett posted a team-high 10 tackles, including one tackle for loss. Senior Brendon Blanchette made nine stops.

The Bobcats return to the field next Saturday when they travel to Hartwick at 1:00 pm.