College Edition College_FALL_II_2013 | Page 44

NASSAU LIONS OFF TO A STRONG SEASON Story By Kevin Freiheit // Photos By Kevin Sperandeo NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL In their six wins this season, Nassau has put up 240 points, an average of 40 points per game. Those numbers increased after the Lions defeated Hudson Valley Community College 68-20 in a game that got out of hand quickly. The Lions defense has allowed more than seven points in a game just twice this season and have yielded 60 points overall, through the first six games. By scoring four times more than the opponent, Nassau isn’t going to have a problem winning games. They haven’t been relying on star senior players, either. Nassau has been able to spread the wealth and possesses numerous ways to score. Sophomore quarterback Troy Jones has led the Lions to victory at every chance he has had this season. Jones has completed 56 of 97 attempts this season, along with 10 touchdowns. His longest play of the year went for 82 yards and he is averaging just over 140 per game. Jones has plenty of talented wide outs to throw the ball to, but if there’s a favorite target he has, that very well may be sophomore Antwane Grant. Grant has found the end zone six times this season, including three in the win against Hudson Valley. Grant has three 100-yard receiving games and has made at least a reception during every game, except one. When they’re not throwing the ball, the Lions have a great option in sophomore running back Travis Lock, who has been a big part of the offense this year and has made some big runs all season long. Lock has gained 423 yards and three touchdowns on 93 carries. His longest run of the season was 56 yards. With these offensive options, the Lions can be an unpredictable group, and can win games in different ways. Grant and Jones have created problems for their opponents so far because they are both so dynamic. I f there’s one word to describe the Nassau Community College football team, it’s “dominant”. The Lions are plain and simple destroying their opponents this season and have shown no signs of slowing down. The Lions are off to a 6-1 start and have proven, time after time, that they will be a team to beat going forward. Nassau has been on a roll and is building more momentum and confidence with every win, making it that much more difficult for another team to stop them. The Lions will look to both of these players to keep doing what they have been as they continue. The Lions had their toughest game of the season recently, and the results were different this time. Nassau suffered its lone loss of the season, which snapped a six game winning streak. The Lions fell to Georgia Military College, the #1 ranked school, by a 45-22 score. Playing the top seeded school is always tough, but Nassau has the talent and mentality to bounce back. The Lions have a few games remaining on their schedule. They will take on Louisburg College, Globe Tech and ASA College to close out the regular season. 1(800)680-3213 CHOOSE FROM ANY STORY OR IMAGE ANY 12X18 POSTER FOR $24.95 NAS SAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE LIONS