MOUNT VERNON – Many Cornell newcomers were thrust into their first collegiate football action in Saturday's season-opening 38-7 setback to the rival Coe Kohawks before a large home crowd at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.
 
Coe (1-0) relied on an efficient passing attack that accounted for 290 yards and gradually pulled away from the new-look Rams, led by first-year head coach Dan Pifer.
 
The Kohawks netted 444 yards of total offense, while limiting the Rams to 140. Cornell hung in the game, trailing 17-0 at halftime. Coe scored touchdowns on its first two series of the third quarter to put the contest out of reach.
 
Cornell (0-1) put its first points on the board on the first play of the fourth quarter. Isaak Hahn found tight end Mason Davis for a 14-yard touchdown pass. Adam Mitchell converted the PAT kick to make it 31-7.
 
The Rams' lone scoring drive was set up from a blocked punted by freshman Trey Gohlmann and recovery by freshman Savian Perez at the Coe 28.
 
Coe's defense recorded three sacks and held the home team to 57 rushing yards on 34 attempts. Peni Waqairatu led Cornell's ground game with 34 yards on 14 carries.  
 
Hahn finished 6-of-14 passing for 83 yards. Davis hauled in four passes for 31 yards.
 
Freshman Trey Birdsong showed his playmaking ability with 121 return yards on seven chances. His only pass reception went for 33 yards.
 
Linebacker Colden Clark led Cornell's defense with 10 tackles. Demarius Pittman posted eight tackles – all solo – and one pass breakup. Eddie Del Castillo had two tackles for loss.  
 
Landon Lockington had an effective day punting, averaging 40.3 yards on six attempts. He had a long boot of 59 yards. Hahn punted twice for a 39.0-yard average.
 
The turnover-free game saw Coe with a three-minute edge in time of possession.
 
The Rams are back home next Saturday, Sept. 11 for the Midwest Conference opener against Beloit. Kickoff is 1 p.m.