MARSHFIELD, Mass. - Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) champions, Husson University, will face Western New England University in the first round of the NCAA Division III Football Championship on Saturday, November 19.
The Eagles (9-1, 7-0 ECFC) earned the ECFC's automatic-qualification after going undefeated in conference play. They will travel to Western New England (10-0, 7-0 NEFC) and face an undefeated Golden Bears squad that captured the New England Football Conference title.
Husson led the way in the ECFC, averaging a league-best 42.0 PPG along with 42 touchdowns. The Eagles ran a balanced offense all season, racking up 1,827 rushing yards and 1,614 passing yards in league games to average 491.6 yards/game.
The Eagles also did their job on defense, leading the league in nearly every team defensive category. They held their opponents to a league-low 13.7 points per game while only surrendering 138.7 yards per game to opposing offenses. The defensive units' 14 interceptions and 25 sacks were also good for tops in the ECFC.
John Smith (Fayetteville, Ga.) has has a phenomenal season thus far for the green and gold. The junior running back leads the conference with 17 touchdowns and averages 171.5 rushing yards per game. His 1,435 rushing yards this season put him at seventh in the nation.
Quarterback Corey Brandon (Pembroke, Mass.) has impressed in his sophomore campaign. His 23 passing touchdowns lead the ECFC while his 201.5 yards per game rank second. Senior wideout Deon Wiggins (Bridgeport, Conn.) ranks third in the ECFC with seven touchdown receptions and sixth with 379 receiving yards.
Senior Captain, Ellis Throckmorton (Bangor, Me.) has been a force on defense for the Eagles. His 61 total tackles leads the Husson defense while his 4.5 sacks rank third on the team. The versatile linebacker also has an interception and forced fumble on the season.
The NCAA DIII Football Tournament kicks off with first round action on November 19 and continues over the course of four weekends, culminating with crowning a champion at the Stagg Bowl on Friday, December 16.
