Elmont linebacker Nassir Edwards has pick-6, returns fumble for score in win over Lynbrook
Nassir Edwards of Elmont makes a short-yardage catch during a Nassau Conference III football game against Lynbrook. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
Though rain may have spoiled Elmont’s homecoming parade, senior Nassir Edwards made sure the football game would be a different story.
While engaged in a defensive slugfest with visiting Lynbrook, Edwards made two key plays from his outside linebacker’s spot to propel Elmont to an 18-7 victory over the Owls on Saturday in Nassau Conference III. The wet conditions of the field did not slip him up, as he returned a fumble and an interception for touchdowns.
With Elmont (3-0) leading 6-0 at the start of the second quarter, Edwards came barreling into the backfield off the left side after a fumbled snap. He scooped up the loose ball and with nothing but turf in front of him, took the recovery back 40 yards for a score to double the Spartans’ lead.
“I saw the ball and I just knew I had to make a play on it,” Edwards said. “After I picked it up, I wasn’t gonna stop running until I got to the end zone.”
Trailing 12-0 at halftime, Lynbrook (2-2) made things interesting in the third quarter when quarterback Joseph McHale ran for a 6-yard touchdown to make it 12-7. The pesky Owls would not go away and forced a three-and-out at the start of the fourth quarter to set up their offense at Elmont’s 42-yard line. But that is when Edwards struck again.
With McHale in the shotgun and a running back to his left, Edwards recognized the play that was about to come. McHale tried to hit his man coming out of the backfield on what appeared to be a wheel route, but Edwards had other plans. He stepped in front of the throw and picked it off before dashing toward the end zone for a 70-yard score.
“Our coaches do a great job on film breakdown, and they told me, ‘If you see the running back come out of the backfield, bite on it,’ ” Edwards said. “I just did my job and it worked.”
Edwards’ efforts helped lead an Elmont defense that allowed just 162 yards and forced five turnovers. In addition to Edwards’ two takeaways, Spartans safety Khalil Muhammad made a pair of interceptions.
His first pick came on the last play of the first half. Then in the fourth quarter — on the possession after Edwards’ interception — Muhammad undercut a deep ball lofted toward the end zone with just under seven minutes left.
After picking off two passes in his final homecoming game, the senior was in a state of euphoria.
“It’s surreal,” Muhammad said. “I’m still processing it.”
As newcomers to the conference, Elmont coach Tommy Innes praised his players for successfully navigating through unfamiliar territory.
“The one big thing is, every team is good,” Innes said. “It’s a black-and-blue conference. Every team, every week, it’s a grind. Hats off to every coach, because they’re not going to let you let up.”
