Hudson Valley Defeats Nassau, 15-6

October 23, 2004

CONTACT: Steve Mullen (518) 629-8063
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Saturday, October 23, 2004

The Hudson Valley Community College defense held Nassau Community College scoreless for more than 59 minutes, and Hudson Valley held on to defeat the Lions 15-6 in Northeast Football Conference action earlier today in Troy.

The win propelled Hudson Valley (5-3/4-2 NFC) into a first place tie in the East Division with Nassau (6-2/4-2 NFC), and gave head coach Bob Jojo his 39th career victory. Jojo surpassed former Vikings coach Dave Bochette for the most football coaching victories in the history of the college. Jojo's career record stands at 39-21.

Sophomore quarterback Jonah Chappell (Brownfield, ME/Fryeburg Academy) gave Hudson Valley a 6-0 lead, 3:05 into the game, with a one yard quarterback sneak. The touchdown was set up by a 47-yard run by freshman running back Ervin Battle-Baldwin (Richmond, VA/Huguenot High School). Hudson Valley failed on the conversion when the snap was fumbled.

The Vikings took a 9-0 lead early in the second quarter on a 47-yard field goal by freshman kicker Bobby Collett (Middletown/Goshen High School). The field goal tied the college's record for the longest field goal, which was originally established by John Maccharelli in 1981 against Potomac State.

Hudson Valley tacked on an insurance score with 9:40 remaining in the game when Chappell hit freshman wide receiver Rashad Howard (Newport News, VA/Heritage High School) with a 30-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked.

Nassau's lone score came with 22 seconds remaining in the game when Vincent Trent (William Floyd High School) caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Dominick Tassone (Holy Trinity High School).

Hudson Valley outgained the Lions on the ground, 147-60. Battle had 74 yards on 11 carries and freshman running back Dane Samuels (Clarkstown/Clarkstown High School) rushed for 77 yards on 24 carries.

Sophomore defensive end Jonal St.-Dic (Elizabeth, NJ/Elizabeth High School) led the Hudson Valley defense with 10 tackles and three sacks. Sophomore safety Damion Malott (Akron, OH/Akron North High School) had 11 tackles and an interception.

Apollo Story (North Babylon High School) had 110 receiving yards to pace Nassau.

The win was Hudson Valley's second over a ranked opponent this season. Nassau entered the game ranked 12th in the latest NJCAA poll. Hudson Valley defeated No. 8 Erie Community College on October 2.

Hudson Valley will travel to Dean College on Saturday, October 30. The game will kick off at 1 p.m.