CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7898 or (518) 416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Saturday, October 21, 2023
The Hudson Valley Community College football program earned its fourth consecutive NJCAA Region 3 championship following a hard-fought battle against Erie in Williamsville, NY. The Vikings pulled away with a 7-6 win following a tremendous defensive showing by Shamarr Joppy and the Hudson Valley defense.
The first half featured a combined 12 punts as the game entered the halftime break with a scoreless tie. The first three quarters of the game remained scoreless and in the fourth is when the Vikings defense turned an Erie mistake into points.
Just seconds into the fourth quarter, Shamarr Joppy intercepted Erie's Eric Wilson at the Hudson Valley 35-yard line and returned it 65-yards for what would turn out to be the game-winning touchdown for the Vikings.
Joppy had a career day as he collected three interceptions and seven total tackles, including one tackle for a loss. Joppy's final interception ended Erie's final attack as they marched down the field to the Vikings three-yard line with less than a minute in the game. The Kats appeared to have the Vikings on the ropes but on the final play of the game, Joppy intercepted Wilson for the third time of the game and secured the win and the Region 3 championship for the Vikings.
As a team, Hudson Valley accumulated 205 yards of total offense with 152 passing yards and 53 rushing yards. The defense caused seven turnovers with five interceptions and two fumble recoveries to keep Erie's offense limited to minimal scoring opportunities.
Erie proved they could move the ball well on the Vikings as they tallied 304 yards of total offense with 249 passing yards and 55 rushing yards. The turnovers proved to be the difference maker for Hudson Valley.
Up next for the football program is a road matchup at Nassau on Saturday, Oct. 28th at 1 p.m. in Garden City, NY.