Garden City, N.Y. — Nassau Community College football kicked off its season in style, riding a big-play passing attack and a swarming defense to a season-opening victory over Wagner JV.

Outlaw Airs It Out

Sophomore quarterback Elijah Outlaw set the tone from the opening whistle, completing 14 of 23 passes for 288 yards and four touchdowns. Outlaw spread the ball around all afternoon, connecting with five different receivers and consistently finding the big play when Nassau needed it most.

The headline connection came on a 181-yard, one-touchdown outing from Antoine Blackman, who turned a handful of targets into chunk plays and kept Wagner's secondary on its heels the entire game. Mekai Henderson added a receiving score to go with his work on the ground, while Tito Ruiz and Soloman Decoteau each hauled in touchdown catches of their own — a true team effort through the air.

Henderson Powers the Ground Game

It wasn't just the passing game working for Nassau. Mekai Henderson paced the rushing attack with 94 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, providing the physical balance to complement Outlaw's arm. Tyler Cabassa chipped in 42 yards on 13 totes, helping Nassau control tempo and keep Wagner's defense honest.

Defense Sets the Tone

Nassau's defense was just as sharp, swarming to the ball all afternoon. Antonio Washington led the way with 9 tackles, while Tayvon Nelson and Al-amin Shobayo turned in standout days with 2 interceptions each. Rachmani Pierre added 5 tackles and a sack, and Edward Ababio notched 4 tackles and a sack of his own to help disrupt Wagner's rhythm up front.

The Nassau front seven kept steady pressure on all game, limiting Wagner's opportunities to establish any consistency on offense.

Special Teams Held Steady

Matias Perez Herrera was reliable in the kicking game, going a perfect 6-for-6 on kickoffs and converting his lone extra-point attempt. Punter Luke Alongi flipped the field all afternoon, averaging 30 yards per punt on five attempts and pinning Wagner inside their own 20-yard line twice.

Looking Ahead

With four passing touchdowns from Outlaw, three total touchdowns from Henderson, and a defense that forced multiple turnovers, Nassau put together a complete performance to open the year. The balance between the passing attack, a physical run game, and a disruptive defense will give the coaching staff plenty to build on as the season continues.

Nassau will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their season schedule.