Result
Nassau Community College football earned a thrilling 21-16 victory over Erie Community College on Saturday, October 10, at Mitchel Field. In a defensive battle that featured multiple turnovers and special teams touchdowns, the Lions overcame a late fourth-quarter deficit behind an 83-yard kickoff return touchdown from Antoine Blackman. Nassau improved to 4-3 on the season, while Erie fell to 4-2.
Despite being outgained 423-122 in total offense, Nassau found ways to win through its defense and special teams, accounting for 14 of the team's 21 points.
The Lions' defense was particularly impactful, recording six sacks, forcing three turnovers and producing a touchdown on Pierre's 30-yard fumble recovery. Barrett and Nelson each contributed interceptions, while Washington delivered a crucial fourth-down sack late in the fourth quarter to stop Erie's comeback attempt.
Special teams ultimately provided the deciding moment. After Erie took a 16-14 lead on an 82-yard punt return touchdown, Blackman answered immediately with an 83-yard kickoff return touchdown to put Nassau back in front for good. McClean's blocked extra point also proved important in keeping the Lions within striking distance before Blackman's return.
How It Happened
Both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the opening quarter, with neither side able to get on the scoreboard. Nassau's defense made several important stops, including a fourth-down stand at its own 37-yard line. The Lions also faced an early setback when quarterback Elijah Outlaw was intercepted by Erie's Jimmy Valentine, but the defense prevented the turnover from resulting in points.
The Lions came up with another crucial defensive play early in the second quarter. With Erie threatening inside Nassau's red zone, Jadan Barrett intercepted Noah Willoughby's pass at the goal line to end the scoring opportunity and keep the game tied at 0-0.
Nassau capitalized on the defensive stop with its best offensive possession of the afternoon. Mekai Henderson helped move the Lions downfield with consecutive runs of 12 and 11 yards before Outlaw broke free for a 45-yard run that brought Nassau to the Erie one-yard line. Two plays later, Henderson powered into the end zone from two yards out, and Matias Perez Herrera converted the extra point to give Nassau a 7-0 lead with 8:35 remaining in the second quarter.
The Nassau defense continued making plays before halftime. After Erie moved into Nassau territory, Tayvon Nelson intercepted Willoughby at the Lions' 25-yard line and returned the ball 33 yards. Erie threatened again on its final possession of the half, moving the ball to Nassau's one-yard line following a 47-yard completion, but time expired before the visitors could score. Nassau entered halftime holding a 7-0 advantage.
Erie opened the second half with renewed offensive pressure. Following a Nassau turnover on downs, the Kats put together a five-play, 64-yard scoring drive. Willoughby connected with Nehemiah Walker-John for a 29-yard touchdown with 9:09 remaining in the third quarter, tying the game at 7-7.
Nassau's defense responded with one of the biggest plays of the afternoon. With Erie facing third-and-eight at its own 40-yard line, Edward Ababio sacked Willoughby for a five-yard loss and forced a fumble. Rachmani Pierre recovered the loose ball at the Erie 30-yard line and returned it all the way to the end zone for a touchdown. Perez Herrera added the extra point, putting Nassau back in front 14-7 with 4:30 remaining in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter featured a dramatic series of momentum swings. Erie opened the period with an eight-play, 44-yard drive that ended with a 30-yard field goal from Aiden Hayes, cutting Nassau's lead to 14-10 with 11:34 remaining.
Less than two minutes later, Erie took its first lead of the game on special teams. After Nassau was forced to punt from its own 16-yard line, Xayvion Dunn returned Luke Alongi's 66-yard punt 82 yards for a touchdown. However, Nassau's Omarion McClean blocked the extra-point attempt, keeping the deficit at just two points, 16-14, with 10:14 remaining.
The Lions needed just 14 seconds to respond.
On the ensuing kickoff, Blackman fielded the ball at Nassau's 17-yard line and raced 83 yards for a touchdown, immediately putting the Lions back in front. Perez Herrera converted his third extra point of the afternoon to give Nassau a 21-16 advantage with 10:00 remaining in regulation.
With the lead restored, Nassau's defense delivered several important stops to preserve the victory. Erie moved into Nassau territory on its next possession, but Antonio Washington and Jaire Edwards combined for an eight-yard sack on third down, forcing a punt.
Erie had another opportunity with 3:51 remaining, taking possession at Nassau's 45-yard line. The Kats advanced to the Lions' 24-yard line, but Washington came through with another critical defensive play, sacking Salomon Georges for an 11-yard loss on fourth-and-three to turn the ball over on downs.
Nassau regained possession with 1:50 remaining and moved the ball to midfield before punting it back to Erie with 37 seconds left. Pierre recorded another sack on Erie's final possession, and the Lions held on for the 21-16 victory.
Notes & Standout Performers
- Mekai Henderson: 17 carries, 40 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
- Elijah Outlaw: 7-of-22 passing, 67 yards; 45-yard run
- Soloman Decoteau: 1 reception, 22 yards
- Tito Ruiz: 2 receptions, 20 yards
- Antoine Blackman: 3 kickoff returns, 127 yards, 1 touchdown (83 yards)
- Rachmani Pierre: 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, 30-yard fumble return touchdown
- Edward Ababio: 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
- Antonio Washington: 4 tackles, 1.5 sacks for 15 yards
- Jacques Camille: 6 tackles, 1 sack
- Hopeton James: 6 tackles
- Tayvon Nelson: 5 tackles, 1 interception returned 33 yards
- Jadan Barrett: 1 interception
- Omarion McClean: 2 tackles, 1 blocked extra point
- Matias Perez Herrera: 3-for-3 on extra-point attempts
Up Next
Nassau will play a home game on Saturday, October 24th at 1 PM against Hudson Valley Community College.
Stay up to date with Nassau athletics with live streams and stats at nassaulions.com/watch. Follow the Lions on Instagram and X at @lionsncc.
