Parts of this article courtesy of Husson University's Sports Information Department.
BANGOR, Maine - The Husson University football team defeated Norwich University 27-13 in an Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) game on Saturday afternoon. The win, coupled with SUNY-Maritime's win over Mount Ida College, clinched the Eagles' second ECFC Championship in the last three years.
The Eagles will receive the conference's automatic-bid to the NCAA Division III Football Championship. The bracket will be set on Sunday, November 13 during the NCAA Selection Show with first round games scheduled for Saturday, November 19.
Husson got out to an early lead in the first quarter as John Smith plowed his way into the end zone, giving Husson their 17th game in a row of scoring the first points of the game. A 33-yard rush by the junior running back set up the Husson offense on Norwich's 2-yard line. Smith's offensive line opened a hole for the back to run through and give the Eagles the lead.
The score remained 7-0 at the end of the first half thanks to defensive stands from both squads.
The second half got under way with a Husson touchdown when quarterback Cody Brandon completed two passes of 20 yards to drive his offense into Norwich's red zone. John Smith capped the scoring drive off with his 47th career-rushing touchdown, giving Husson a 13-0 lead.
With less than five minutes to go in the third Tyreque Estrada-Capps of Norwich threw a 44-yard pass to Pierre Noel getting his offense on the board. The extra point was missed, which kept the score at 13-6.
Norwich was not done. Their next possession also resulted in a touchdown as Patrick Brown busted through his offensive line and sprinted 64 yards for a touchdown to tie the score 13-13.
Smith and the Eagle offense answered with a scoring drive of their own. Cory Brandon completed a 22-yard pass to Kadeem Edge to set up the score and Smith did the rest. Smith scored his third touchdown of the day and his 50th of his career to give Husson the lead, which they would not surrender.
Brandon and Edge connected one last time at the end of the fourth quarter, providing an insurance score and solidifying Husson's victory, 27-13 over Norwich.
The ECFC ends its regular season next Saturday as Husson travels to Mount Ida and Norwich battles in-state foe Castleton University.
