By LeMont Joyner
“Feels good to win,” coach Cohen’s first words at the press conference following Hofstra’s nail biting homecoming victory over Rhode Island.
Despite having nine new starters on defense, the Hofstra Pride played great against URI’s efficient spread offense, with the exception of two big plays: a 37 yard touchdown run by RB Jimmy Hughes, (11 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD) and a 46 yard pass from QB Derek Cassidy (18/32, 248 yards, 1 TD, 2 int) to WR Shawn Leonard (4 rec, 118 yards) that set up a URI score, Hofstra held Rhode Island in check all game, as shown by their two interceptions.
Offensively Hofstra was proficient, but redzone woes forced the pride to settle for field goals when they should have gained touchdowns.
Despite a 64 yard touchdown by RB Brock Jackolski (13 car, 144 yards) that put the Pride 1st and goal from the 1 yard line, they could not punch it in and had to settle for three points.
The field goal almost came back to haunt Hofstra, but they stayed both strong and resilient.
“Our offense is good. The only thing we are missing is scoring touchdowns in the redzone. We’ve got to be able to do that.” Sophomore FB Everette Benjamin (9 car, 43 yards, 1 TD) said.
With Hofstra leading the game 20-14 with 3:27 left to play, the stage was set for a fantastic finish.
Cassidy drove Rhode island 54 yards in 2:40 to the goal line, where Anthony Ferrer (3 car, 25 yards, 1 TD) drove in a one-yard touchdown run. To knot the game at 20-20.
All Rhode Island had to do was kick an extra point and the game would be virtually over. freshman kicker Louis Feinstein pushed the kick right and gave Hofstra life along with momentum.
Backed by an energetic crowd, Pride QB Corey Christopher (25/33 265 yards, 22 car, 49 yards) drove 58 yards in 44 seconds to give freshman kicker, Roger Williams the chance to win the game.
Williams connected on a 38 yard FG, giving the Pride their first win of the season.