Result
Nassau Community College football delivered a strong defensive performance on Saturday, November 7, defeating Sussex County Community College 24-3 at Mitchel Field. The Lions held the Skylanders scoreless over the final three quarters, while quarterback Elijah Outlaw connected with Soloman Decoteau for two touchdowns and Antonio Washington added a 35-yard interception return for a score. With the victory, Nassau improved to 6-4 on the season, while Sussex County fell to 3-7.
Outlaw finished with 144 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Decoteau caught two passes for 39 yards, both resulting in scores. Defensively, the Lions limited Sussex County to just 172 yards of total offense, including 26 rushing yards, while forcing three turnovers. Shobayo and Ababio anchored the defensive effort, combining for four tackles for loss, while Edwards contributed a crucial third-quarter sack that helped set up Washington's defensive touchdown. Pierre and Posillico Jr. also made important contributions in creating and recovering turnovers.
How It Happened
Sussex County struck first midway through the opening quarter after quarterback Kareem Moore connected with Allan Feliciano for a 51-yard completion that moved the Skylanders inside Nassau's five-yard line. The Lions' defense held firm near the goal line, forcing Sussex County to settle for a 23-yard field goal from Brandon Ramirez with 3:59 remaining in the quarter.
Nassau responded on its next possession, beginning at the Sussex County 48-yard line following a 35-yard kickoff return by Antoine Blackman. Outlaw connected with Blackman for 12 yards before the Lions moved deeper into Skylanders territory behind runs from Mekai Henderson and Tyler Cabassa. Facing second-and-eight from the Sussex County 22-yard line, Outlaw found Decoteau for a touchdown with 30 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Matias Perez Herrera converted the extra point to give Nassau a 7-3 advantage.
The Lions immediately regained possession after recovering an onside kick at midfield. Outlaw connected with Blackman for a 43-yard gain, setting Nassau up inside the Sussex County 10-yard line as the first quarter expired.
Nassau opened the second quarter with a first-and-goal opportunity but was unable to reach the end zone. Perez Herrera converted a 20-yard field goal with 13:27 remaining in the half, extending the Lions' lead to 10-3.
The Nassau defense continued to create opportunities, forcing a turnover on Sussex County's ensuing possession. Rachmani Pierre forced a fumble by Moore, and Washington recovered the loose ball before returning it 17 yards to the Sussex County 11-yard line. However, the Skylanders regained possession on the following play after Adrian Martinez recovered a Nassau fumble.
The Lions' defense remained effective throughout the second quarter, limiting Sussex County's scoring opportunities and forcing a turnover on downs following a lengthy 15-play drive.
Late in the half, Nassau capitalized on favorable field position after a short Sussex County punt gave the Lions possession at the Skylanders' 30-yard line with 1:37 remaining. Henderson gained nine yards on second down before Nassau moved into the red zone following a Sussex County penalty. Outlaw then connected with Decoteau for a 17-yard touchdown pass with 27 seconds remaining, sending Nassau into halftime with a 17-3 lead.
The Lions continued their defensive dominance in the third quarter. On Sussex County's opening possession of the second half, Moore lost a fumble that was recovered by Frank Posillico Jr., giving Nassau possession in Skylanders territory.
Nassau's defense delivered the game's defining play later in the quarter. Following an eight-yard sack by Jaire Edwards that pushed Sussex County into second-and-18, Washington intercepted Moore's pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown with 9:49 remaining in the third quarter. Perez Herrera added the extra point, extending Nassau's advantage to 24-3.
The Skylanders attempted to respond but were repeatedly turned away by the Nassau defense. After an interception gave Sussex County possession at the Nassau 30-yard line, the Lions forced four consecutive plays without allowing a first down, regaining possession at their own 25-yard line.
Sussex County threatened again late in the third quarter, advancing to Nassau's 11-yard line following a 28-yard completion from Moore to Zaivon Burt-Graves. However, the Lions held strong, forcing three incomplete passes and a rushing loss to turn the ball over on downs.
Neither team added another score, allowing Nassau to secure the 24-3 victory.
Notes & Standout Performers
- Total Offense: Nassau 220 yards, Sussex County 172 yards
- Passing Yards: Nassau 144, Sussex County 146
- Rushing Yards: Nassau 76, Sussex County 26
- First Downs: Nassau 12, Sussex County 11
- Elijah Outlaw: 8-of-19 passing, 144 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Soloman Decoteau: 2 receptions, 39 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Antoine Blackman: 2 receptions, 55 yards, 35-yard kickoff return
- Justin Betz: 2 receptions, 31 yards
- Mekai Henderson: 16 carries, 56 yards
- Tyler Cabassa: 6 carries, 30 yards
- Antonio Washington: 35-yard interception return for a touchdown, 17-yard fumble return
- Al-Amin Shobayo: 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
- Edward Ababio: 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
- Jaire Edwards: 1 sack for 8 yards, 1.5 tackles for loss
- Matias Perez Herrera: 1-for-1 on field goals, 3-for-3 on extra points, 6 total points
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.
