Iona College started their fall 2015 season with an impressive 50-8 defeat of Fordham this past weekend.

The Gaels started their season with characteristic vigor on defense, getting to the Fordham ballcarriers with speed and pushing the Rams backward. And when Iona got the ball, they were equally aggressive in challenging Fordham.

The result was seven first-half tries, five converted, for a 45-0 lead. After Coach Bruce McLane rang the changes, the second half was closer, but Iona still cruised to victory.

Lavar James scored two tries for Iona, while John Powers, Evan Staikos, Sean Hardiman, Bernie Curbelo, Dylan Evans, and Mike Marro all scored one, while freshman Eric Amaty converted five.

“It was good to finally get the season going,” said James. “We all worked hard during training camp … it just feels good to come out and get a win.” 

“The first 15 or 20 minutes we weren’t playing as well as we should have, but then things opened up and it became fun,” said McLane.

Iona now looks ahead to another non-conference game, this time at Rutgers. Fordham opens it Empire conference season September 12 at Syracuse.

Video highlights of the game. (If videos don’t show, please refresh the page)

Post-match interviews.