Boyes leads by example

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

The thing about sports there is only one winner. At the end of the day, only one team can hoist the championship after a long, grueling season, that see’s so many ups and down.

As the clock strikes zero the team at the end gets to celebrate the championship, while the other team lays on the field with their head in the hands. Wondering what if?

Last season was a magical run for the Cortland Red Dragons football team. The team made a run to the Division III National title game, winning the Stagg Bowl - and the National title.

“Winning any championship is fun. Having everyone besides us believing that we wouldn't be able to win it all just added to those emotions,” stated Cortland senior quarterback Zac Boyes. “Celebrating with all the friends and family after the game gave me memories of a lifetime. Its extremely hard to win a D3 title so soaking it all in was necessary for us.”

The Red Dragons rode the right arm, and legs, of Boyes who had a season for the ages. The Kenmore West graduate seemed like he couldn’t do anything wrong all season long. The senior threw for 44 touchdowns, more than 4,000 yards passing, while completing an astounding 72 percent of his passes.

If you tried and take the pass away, Boyes just did it with legs, rushing for more than 770 yards and eight touchdowns. Opposing defenses had no answers for this high powered offense, that was being run by the Buffalo native.

“I think just striving to be better than I was the week before is what allowed me to reach new heights in my game. Every week there was something new I had to work on and it's a huge testament to Coach Fitz and how he prepares us each week,” stated Boyes. “I was never complacent with my game and still aren't till this day. Always room to get better and the numbers will come as long as you pour into the process.”

His stats have been impressive ever since he arrived at Cortland. He is a true duel threat quarterback, one that makes good decisions on the field. But, it’s just not that he is able to beat teams with his feet, or his arm, it’s the fact that Boyes is able to read the defense and take what they give him.

That’s the biggest asset that Boyes can provide game in and game out. It’s his decision making. It’s the fact that his teammates trust him to put them in the right position to succeed every time out on the field.

“The best trait that every quarterback has is the ability to take what the defense presents and protect the football. Whatever the plan is each week to win the game is what Ill do,” stated Boyes. “Understanding I can make plays with my legs allows me to not force the ball into turnover situations is something I take into each week and helps us stay on schedule and ahead of the sticks for our offense.”

Boyes embraces everything that comes with being the quarterback of a Cortland team that has high expectations every single year. He embraces being the captain of a team that looks to defend its National title.

Whether Boyes is throwing for 400 yards and three touchdowns or handing the ball off, you will never see his attitude change. As a leader, actions speaks louder than words. Boyes goes out there every game and gives it his all - and his teammates follow his example.

“As the quarterback, You have to embrace that roll. The eyes are on you all the time and guys know if you are leading with a false sense of hope or false confidence. Being the same guy all the time is something I pride myself on,” stated Boyes. “If you are saying the right things but doing the wrong things its tough to get buy-in from the guys. Actions speak louder than words so embracing the leadership role is key for the team's success.”

His success on the field has lead to a lot of awards, and honors, over the past year. He was Associated Press Division III first team and D3football.com third team All-American...D3football.com Region 2 Offensive Player of the Year...Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Year...Gagliardi Trophy semifinalist (Division III Player of the Year award).

He was also named the MVP of the Stagg Bowl. All the awards were nice, and a great honor, but, winning the big prize at the end of the year, with his teammates, was the accomplishment he was chasing.

“Getting honored with the top guys around the country is really humbling and pretty cool but accomplishing the team goals we set out are a lot more important to me,” stated Boyes. “Individual awards are a result of team success. I wouldn't get all the recognition if it wasn't for the group around me so it's pretty cool to be a Red Dragon right now.”

Boyes is also closing in on 100 career passing touchdowns, right now at 97. What’s more impressive is Boyes has only thrown 17 interceptions his entire career, including just one this season compared to 24 touchdowns.

Boyes knows he wouldn’t have any of this success if it wasn’t for his teammates and coaches. He goes out at plays the game he loves, but those guys make him look good.

“It's all part of the game. I wouldn't have any of these records if it wasn't for the teammates and coaches I have now at Cortland. Those guys make me look good each week so I don't care about the records that come,” stated Boyes. “Records are meant to be broken but you can't take away wins and losses, so I'm trying to get as many wins as I can. Only thing I'm worried about is winning a second national championship.”

As his college career comes to close, hopefully with another ring, Boyes is thankful for everything the game has given him. With the season still going strong, Boyes hasn’t put much thought into what’s next.

He does know that football will be a part of it. He wants to play this game as long as he can, or at least stay in the game as long as he can.

“Football has been such a huge part of my life ever since I've been born that I'm looking to stay in it any way possible. Coaching or playing whatever the path is I want to give what i've learned from all the great coaches to the young kids who have that same love for the game.I would love to play football as long as a can so any opportunity I do get i’m definitely looking into it but either way I’m trying to have a impact on this game for as long as I can,” stated Boyes. “Football teams are large and diverse so making friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime with guys from all different backgrounds are something you don't get everywhere. It's also taught me Resilience. College football makes you dig it out of the mud everyday. It's not easy and you have to give it your all for the game to give back to you. Its made me a much better person and forced me to grow up and become a man.”