Northampton had plenty of scoring opportunities in its Sept. 29 contest against Nazareth, but a series of unfortunate first half mistakes ultimately led to a 48-13 loss at Al Erdosy Stadium.

Nazareth took a 6-0 lead on the game’s first possession after a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Anthony Harris to Jahan Dotson.

The K-Kids tied the game at 6-6 following Tyrese Brandon’s two-yard touchdown run that was set up by Aiden Jones’ interception. Northampton intercepted Harris three times in the first half, but struggled to capitalize on its opportunities.

Following the K-Kids’ touchdown, Nazareth’s Noah Mennona returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. The orange-and-black faithful were rocking in the stands as Brandon would return the next kickoff for a Northampton touchdown, but it was ultimately called back due to a penalty.

The Blue Eagles extended their first half lead to 27-6 with Harris connecting on touchdown passes to Nick Viva and Dotson for a second time.

Dotson, a UCLA commit, finished the game with six receptions for 103 yards and three receiving touchdowns. He also returned a punt for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Northampton turned the ball over three times on downs in the first half, including a failed fourth-and-goal from the 7-yard line and getting stopped on the 2-yard line as time expired in the first half.

The K-Kids ended the game with more first downs, more rushing yards, fewer turnovers and fewer penalties than Nazareth, but failed to overcome those empty possessions in the first half.

Northampton senior quarterback Josh Smith finished the game 7-of-17 for 108 yards and one rushing touchdown. Despite the tough loss, Smith is confident that the K-Kids will bounce back next week against Liberty.

“We lost to them 14-7 [last year]. We lost on a big play late in the fourth quarter,” Smith said. “It’s definitely going to be a revenge factor for us.”