HAMILTON, N.Y. — Jamar Curtis showcased an impressive performance, rushing for 122 yards and scoring three touchdowns, culminating in a game-winning touchdown with just 2:34 left on the clock, leading Lafayette to a thrilling 21-20 victory over Colgate on Saturday.

As Colgate aimed for a potential comeback on their final drive, they were able to advance to near midfield. Quarterback Jake Stearney connected with Treyvhon Saunders for a gain of 14 yards. However, disaster struck when Saunders fumbled, allowing Xavier Johnson to recover the ball with only 57 seconds remaining. Lafayette then successfully ran three plays to close out the game.

Colgate initially took the lead early in the second quarter with a touchdown from Brendan Cassamajor, who rushed from the 11-yard line on a crucial third-and-1 play, completing an eight-play drive that covered 79 yards in nearly four minutes.

In response, Lafayette orchestrated a strong offensive drive, going 12 plays for 75 yards and consuming 6:08 off the clock. Curtis contributed significantly, rushing for 53 yards over seven attempts and making a catch for five yards before finding the end zone with a five-yard run.

When halftime arrived, Colgate maintained a slight edge as Luke Vogeler secured a 22-yard field goal. The start of the fourth quarter saw Stearney throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to Reed Swanson, extending Colgate’s lead to 17-7. Vogeler added to the score with a 49-yard field goal at the 10:18 mark, pushing the lead to two scores.

However, Lafayette was not done fighting. They quickly responded and trimmed the deficit to 20-14 when Curtis dashed into the end zone from 4 yards out, capping a seven-play, 80-yard drive just three minutes later.

Stearney finished the match with 129 passing yards and one touchdown for Colgate, who now holds a record of 2-8 overall and 1-3 in the conference. Lafayette improved to 5-5 and 2-3 in the Patriot League.