AMHERST — When the game ended, Andrew Ford and Adam Breneman found each other and shared a hug.
It’s been four years since they were on the field together and both traveled a circuitous path to McGuirk Stadium, where they both played a big role in UMass’ 21-13 win over Florida International on Saturday.
Three years ago they were teammates at Cedar Cliff High School in Pennsylvania. Breneman was an Under Armor High School All-American, while Ford was the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
Ford and Breneman lead UMass to victory. pic.twitter.com/JvJVk8X7ex
— Coach Cantafio (@SVSQB) September 17, 2016
Breneman headed to Penn State, where he starred for one season before injuries sideline him for most of 2014 and 2015. He was ready to quit football after completing his degree requirements. But the tight end had a change of heart and transferred to UMass.
Ford signed at Virginia Tech, where he redshirted for one season before leaving for Lackawanna Community College. He signed with UMass in the spring.
Ford became the starting quarterback due to Ross Comis’ shoulder injury and his first completed pass was to his old buddy.
“It was good to get a couple completions to him. I’m glad he’s on our side,” he said.
Breneman caught 10 passes for 77 yards, including what turned out to be the winning touchdown. He was glad to be playing again.
“For a while I felt like things were never going my way. That’s all behind me,” he said. “I don’t ever think about getting hurt. My body feels great. I’ve been healthy. Hopefully I can contribute for the rest of nine games and hopefully one more with a bowl game. I was excited to play with Andrew this week. Obviously he did a really good job.”
Ford completed 28 of 42 throws for 278 yards. He threw three touchdown passes and one interception.
Ford looked for Breneman as soon as the game went final.
“When the situation unfolded the way it did we talked about moments like that,” Ford said. “For the game to end with us taking a knee and us finding each other was something we weren’t sure we ever going to do again after Cedar Cliffs. Being able to share that is something we won’t forget for the rest of our lives.”