Vikings Dominate Season Opener With 59–14 Win Over Putnam Academy

Vikings Dominate Season Opener With 59–14 Win Over Putnam Academy
August 30, 2025
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CONTACT: Julia Quinlan, j.quinlan@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7863 or (518) 530-7376
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Saturday, August 30, 2025

The Hudson Valley Community College football team opened its 2025 season in impressive fashion on Saturday afternoon, cruising to a 59–14 victory over Putnam Academy in its home opener at the Outdoor Athletic Complex.

The Vikings struck first on their opening possession when Jared Navidad drilled a 32-yard field goal to give the hosts an early edge. Moments later, quarterback Nathan Stone found Micah Gates on a 22-yard touchdown pass, quickly extending the lead to 10–0. Stone continued to fuel the offense in the second quarter, connecting with Isaiah Allen on a 29-yard scoring strike before Alex Lenior capped a short-yardage drive with a four-yard touchdown run. Stone added a 10-yard rushing score before halftime as Hudson Valley carried a commanding 31–6 lead into the break.

The offensive momentum carried over into the second half, as Stone punched in another rushing touchdown and later hooked up with Gates again for a strike in the end zone. Fellow quarterback John Balzarini added to the outburst with a touchdown pass of his own to Gates late in the third quarter. Rodney Bell closed the scoring for Hudson Valley in the fourth quarter with a 12-yard touchdown reception, sealing the Vikings' 59-point performance.

Hudson Valley's defense complemented the offensive explosion by holding Putnam to just two touchdowns while forcing several key stops to keep the game firmly in control. The Vikings' balanced attack through the air and on the ground, paired with a dominant defensive effort, delivered a statement in their season debut.

With the victory, Hudson Valley opens the year at 1–0 and will look to build on its strong start when it returns to action at home next week against Hocking at 1pm.