HVCC Football Stymied by No. 2 Ranked Nassau

HVCC Football Stymied by No. 2 Ranked Nassau
September 11, 2021

CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu or 518-629-7898/518-416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021

The Hudson Valley Community College football program (1-1) dropped their home opener 36-9 to Nassau Community College (1-0), the No. 2 ranked NJCAA Division III program in the country, on Saturday afternoon at the Outdoor Athletic Complex on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY. 

The loss brings an end to the Vikings three-game win streak, dating back to the 2019 season. Hudson Valley started the game strong, putting the second-ranked Lions on their heels early, but the Vikings could not close out red zone drives to keep the pressure on Nassau. A quick blocked punt by the Vikings scurried out of the back of the end zone for a safety with 10:27 remaining in the first quarter, giving HVCC two-points and the ball. 

On the next Vikings drive, the Vikings gave the momentum right back to the Lions as they recovered a fumble by Jordan Moran. The Lions took over possession at the Vikings 12-yard line and converted the turnover into a quick seven points as Matthew Smith connected with John Beaubrun for the 12-yard score. Nassau regained the lead over Hudson Valley 7-2. 

Near the end of the first quarter, the Lions returned the favor with a team safety of their own as the Vikings snap on fourth-down trickled out of the back of the end zone and the Lions entered the second quarter leading 9-2. 

Nassau went on a 27-0 run over the next three quarters, extending their lead to 36-2 before the Vikings were able end the run with a 10-yard touchdown pass by Moran to Omari Hopkins. Frederick Call converted the point-after-attempt and the Vikings trailed 36-9. 

As a team, Hudson Valley recorded 254 total yards on offense and gave up 463 yards to the Lions. Desi Floyd finished with 68 rushing yards on 20 carries and Robert Bruce collected three passes for a team-high 63 yards. Callo punted the ball a staggering 264 yards, including two inside the 20-yard line and a game-best 54-yard punt. 

Hudson Valley has a week off before they travel to take on a tough Monroe College program in New Rochelle, NY. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.