LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Cornell junior wideout Trey Birdsong found the end zone for the third consecutive game in Saturday's 41-7 football loss to two-time defending Midwest Conference champion Lake Forest at Farwell Field.
 
The Rams (1-2 overall, 1-1 MWC) marched 80 yards on an impressive six-play scoring drive in the first quarter against the MWC's top-ranked defense. Lake Forest (3-0 overall, 2-0 MWC) broke the 7-7 tie later in the opening period and pulled away with the game's final 34 points to remain the league's only unbeaten team.   
 
Cornell's early touchdown drive saw sophomore Rommel Pinner haul in a 55-yard reception from quarterback John Smith. Three plays later, Smith connected with Birdsong for a 15-yard TD pass that pulled the Rams even at 7-7 with 5:26 left in the first quarter.
 
The Rams' touchdown was only the second allowed this season by the Foresters, who limited Cornell to 121 yards for the game. Lake Forest also capitalized on two Cornell turnovers that resulted in 14 points, including an interception return that completed the scoring with 2:53 remaining in the third quarter.
 
Birdsong finished with four receptions for 30 yards and also netted 103 yards on five kickoff returns. Cole Reed had three catches for 19 yards.
 
Tony Gomez was Cornell's leading rusher with 31 yards on 15 carries. Smith went 7-of-18 passing for 96 yards and was sacked three times.
 
Sophomore linebacker Luca Schoensee collected a game-high 10 tackles, including one for lost yardage. Anthony Hoffman was in on eight stops, followed by Sam Adams and Jorden Delap with seven tackles apiece.
 
The Rams registered three quarterback sacks, including one each by Roman West and Dakota Ambush.    
 
Lake Forest accounted for 488 yards of total offense. The Foresters converted 8-of-14 chances on third down, while the Rams went 2-of-13.   
 
Coming up – The Rams enter their bye week before returning to action Sept. 30 for a 1 p.m. road game against Ripon (1-2 overall, 1-1 MWC) in Ripon, Wis.