Five takeaways cannot save Northeast in 27-26 opener loss

Northeast forced five turnovers but lost its August 27 football opener to East Central, 27-26. A late 86-yard drive ended with a 20-yard quarterback touchdown run that put the Warriors ahead.

The Tigers recovered three fumbles and intercepted two passes. J’Cameron Riley recovered two fumbles and forced another. Raiyen Oatis returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown to give Northeast a 26-21 third-quarter advantage.

Special teams also produced a score: Jerone Baskin blocked a punt that Jalen Spikes returned 55 yards for a touchdown. Baskin added seven tackles and two sacks.

Quarterback Xae Mayes finished with 99 passing yards, 46 rushing yards and two total touchdowns. Isaiah Cobbs caught a touchdown pass and totaled 49 receiving yards. The takeaways and big returns kept Northeast in position to win, but East Central’s final scoring drive decided the contest.

Source: NEMCC Athletics release, August 28, 2026. Summarized from the college’s announcement. Photo: NEMCC Athletics.