Football Defeated by Sussex in Final Minutes

CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu; (518) 416-2137 or (518) 629-7898
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Thursday, October 10, 2024

The Hudson Valley Community College football program took its first loss of the season in a dramatic battle with Sussex County Community College, 26-21, at the Outdoor Athletic Complex on the campus of HVCC on Thursday night.

Sussex stormed to a 19-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, thanks to quarterback Maurice Williams' dynamic performance, which included a 5-yard touchdown run and two touchdown passes to Malik Baker and Lonnie Crawford. Hudson Valley rallied, scoring three straight touchdowns to take a 21-19 lead late in the fourth quarter, with standout plays from quarterback Cameron Harbaugh.

However, Williams' 16-yard touchdown pass to Baker with just 45 seconds left in the game secured Sussex's victory.

Sussex took early control with an efficient first quarter, capitalizing on explosive plays. The team's offense, led by Maurice Williams, went 67 yards in 8 plays on their opening drive, ending with Williams' 5-yard touchdown run. Sussex continued their dominance as Williams connected with Baker for a 35-yard strike, extending their lead to 13-0. Just before the end of the quarter, Williams struck again, finding Lonnie Crawford for a 25-yard touchdown, giving Sussex a commanding 19-0 advantage.

Hudson Valley's response began in the second quarter, as Kevin Mayfield powered into the end zone from a yard out, capping off an 11-play, 59-yard drive that cut the deficit to 19-7. The momentum swung further in their favor in the third quarter when Harbaugh found Brandon Hawkins for a 26-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 19-14.

In the fourth quarter, Hudson Valley completed their comeback as Harbaugh orchestrated a 92-yard drive, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Collin Johnson, giving the home team a 21-19 lead with just under 12 minutes to play.

With just one minute remaining, Williams engineered a 40-yard drive and found Baker for a 16-yard touchdown, reclaiming the lead for Sussex at 26-21.

The Vikings will regroup and get ready for the NJCAA Region 3 Championship vs Erie on Saturday, October 19 at the Outdoor Athletic Complex. The championship game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.