Vikings Improve to 2–0 with 41–29 Victory Over Hocking

CONTACT: Julia Quinlan, j.quinlan@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7863 or (518) 530-7376
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Saturday, September 6, 2025

The Hudson Valley Community College football team stuck it out in the rain, defeating Hocking College, 41–29, on Saturday afternoon at the HVCC OAC Turf.

The Hawks struck first late in the opening quarter when Keevin Gibbon found the end zone from four yards out and added a successful two-point try to make it 8–0. The Vikings responded in the second quarter behind the leg of kicker Jared Navidad, who connected on field goals from 35 and 31 yards to trim the deficit to 8–6.

Hocking briefly regained momentum with a 78-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 15–6, but the Vikings offense quickly came alive. Quarterback Nathan Stone delivered a 68-yard strike to Damien Santiago, cutting the deficit to two. On the next drive, Stone found Micah Gates for a 20-yard touchdown, giving Hudson Valley its first lead at 20–15. The Vikings weren't done, as Stone and Gates connected again on a 32-yard score as time expired in the first half, sending Hudson Valley into the locker room with a 27–15 advantage.

The Stone-to-Gates connection continued in the third quarter, this time from 26 yards out, stretching the Vikings' lead to 34–15. Hocking answered early in the fourth with a 69-yard touchdown pass to make it 34–22, but the Vikings sealed the game behind their ground attack. Alex Lenior capped a late drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the lead to 41–22 with just over two minutes to play. The Hawks added a late score through the air, but Hudson Valley held strong to secure the 41–29 victory.

Stone finished the afternoon 20-for-41 passing for 323 yards and four touchdowns, three of which went to Gates, who recorded five receptions for 100 yards. Santiago's 68-yard touchdown was the longest play of the day, while Lenior provided balance in the rushing game with his short-yardage score. Navidad was perfect on special teams, converting both field goals and all five extra points.

With the win, Hudson Valley improves to 2–0 on the season and will look to carry its momentum into next week's matchup at Louisburg College on Saturday 9/13 at 11am.