FRANKLIN, Mass.- Husson University struck first, taking the opening drive down the field for a touchdown to obtain an early lead, and never looked back en route to a 24-0 victory over the Dean College Bulldogs at Lippert Field on Longley Athletic Complex on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Husson nearly took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown when Nason Berthlette scampered through the Bulldogs kickoff team for 35 yards, a shoestring tackle from Elijah Walker (Upper Marlboro, Md.)  the only thing stopping him from pay-dirt. The visitors took over at the Dean 40 yard-line and quickly went to work, cashing in on their quick drive with a one yard touchdown rush by Lavar Hunter.

Dean went three and out and punted on their first possession. Husson took over at their own 26 and proceeded to march 74 yards in eight plays for a second touchdown, this one from Dom Wilson on a beautifully lofted pass from Max Clark in the right corner of the end zone. Wilson elevated to catch the pass and tapped one foot down in bounds before falling into the corner of the end zone. 

After that, the Bulldog defense settled down, allowing only ten points for the remainder of the game. The Bulldog offense could not get going, however. After two opening drive punts, Dean drove the ball to the Husson 45 yard-line on a four and a half minute drive, but turned it over on downs after Amari Harris (New Bedford, Mass.) was held to a single yard on a fourth and two.

The Bulldogs defense rallied, however, and held Husson off the scoreboard, forcing a sack on third and long by Jerney Price (San Antonio, Texas) and and Joe Penton (Manassas Park, Va.) that knocked the Eagles out of scoring range and forced a punt. After another Bulldog punt, the Dean defense again held and the Eagles ran out of time on their last possession of the first half.

Dean had the ball first to start the second half, and put together a seven play, 47 yard drive, highlighted by a 29 yard gain from Harris to Tahir Blanding (East Orange, N.J.) on a third and six. The offense sputtered in the Husson end of the field, however, and Dean was forced to punt.

On Husson's next possession they broke open the big play that the Bulldogs had been doing a strong job of preventing, when Clark found tight end Cullen Casey in the flat and Casey did the rest beating the Dean defenders for a 43 yard touchdown.

After a Dean fumble gave the Eagles great field possession, they settled for a field goal with time expiring in the third to extend their lead to 24-0.  In the fourth quarter, the Eagles were able to run out the clock and preserve the win.

Dean was led by Fontabian Donalson Jr. (San Antonio, Texas) and Harris, who both finished with 36 yards rushing. Blanding led all Dean recievers with 29 yards in the air. Penton and Price both registered ten tackles and a half-sack. Kai Reeves (Boston, Mass.) had nine tackles and a sack of his own. Noah Pearson had seven tackles including one for loss.

Next up for Dean (0-5) is the start of Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) play, and a matchup at Alfred State on Saturday at noon.