Payton had an outstanding showing for the Pioneers secondary in a 51-28 victory of the hosting Saxons, a win in which the Pioneer defense held the opposing quarterbacks to just 10-of-29 passing and only 55 passing yards. Payton logged three pass breakups, added an interception, and caused another Alfred turnover by forcing a fumble in the first quarter that was returned for the first Pioneer touchdown of the afternoon. To top off his dominant performance, he recorded two solo tackles. Payton powered a defensive effort that turned over the Saxons offense four times on the afternoon.