Football Posts Best-Record in 10 Years with Win over Hocking

CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu; (518) 416-2137 or (518) 629-7898
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Monday, November 11, 2024

The Hudson Valley Community College football team closed out the 2024 season in a high-scoring contest, taking down Hocking College with a final score of 44-24, in Nelsonville, Ohio.

First Quarter: The action began with Hocking College taking an early lead after Issa Tchari's 23-yard touchdown run. However, the extra point attempt failed, and Hudson Valley immediately responded. Zakai Armstrong returned the failed conversion attempt 97 yards to bring the score to 2-6. Soon after, Hudson Valley took the lead when Harbaugh connected with Micah Gates for a 64-yard touchdown, making it 9-6.

Second Quarter: The second quarter saw a series of quick scores. Hocking College briefly regained the lead with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Joey Moore to Pavel Henderson. However, HVCC quickly answered with another long pass, as Harbaugh found Brandon Hawkins for a 61-yard touchdown, setting the score at 16-12. Hudson Valley continued their offensive momentum, scoring two more touchdowns before halftime. Gates scored again on a 3-yard reception, and Hawkins caught his second touchdown of the day, putting HVCC ahead 31-12 at halftime.

Third Quarter: Hudson Valley opened the second half with a stunning 92-yard touchdown pass from Harbaugh to Gates, extending their lead to 37-12. Later in the quarter, backup quarterback Dalton Howell connected with Ryan Gavette for a 30-yard touchdown, making it 44-12 and seemingly putting the game out of reach.

Fourth Quarter: Hocking College added two late touchdowns in the fourth quarter to narrow the final score. Tchari scored on a 3-yard run, followed by Clarence Currin with another 3-yard touchdown run, ending the game at 44-24 in favor of Hudson Valley.

Key Performers:

• Cameron Harbaugh (HVCC): Threw for 370 yards and five touchdowns, with major connections to Gates and Hawkins.
• Micah Gates (HVCC): Led all receivers with 169 yards and three touchdowns.
• Brandon Hawkins (HVCC): Tallied 96 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

With this victory, Hudson Valley moved to an 8-2 record, while Hocking College fell to 0-8 for the season. The game showcased HVCC's big-play ability and demonstrated their strength in the passing game, with Harbaugh's precision and Gates' speed proving too much for the Hocking defense.