Newton, MA - Mount Ida College homecoming was spoiled in a tough 16-12 loss to Husson University this Saturday afternoon in Newton, Massachusetts. For 45 minutes through three quarters of football, there was only three points (3-0) recorded on the scoreboard off a field goal by Eagles place kicker, senior Darren Gauthier (Brunswick, ME/Brunswick). Although the Mustang defense gave up 200 yards on the ground to Husson running back Julius Williams (Boston, MA/East Boston), they gave their offense a chance to get in the end zone, with an outstanding defensive performance. Unfortunately for the hosts, the offensive side of the ball struggled up until the end of fourth quarter. But at that point it was too late, with Husson building a 16-6 advantage with 2:16 remaining in the contest. Mount Ida drops to 2-2 on the season while the Eagles improve to 3-2.

The only first half scoring was by Gauthier on a 32 yard field goal off a nine play, 40 yard drive with 3:23 to go in the first quarter making it 3-0. Until the 12:29 mark in the fourth, it would be a chess game between the defenses. In the opening of the second quarter, the Eagles were driving in Mount Ida territory on a 10 play drive. It was stopped dead on the Mustang 17 yard line by sophomore Jordan Edinger (Key Largo, FL/Coral Shores); snatching visiting quarterback James McCandles's (Hollywood, FL/Hollywood Hills) pass out of the air.

Mount Ida took the momentum and rode a 13 play, 57 yard drive down to the Husson 26 yard line. Unfortunately, it would be turned around by a Tony Tokarz (Holden, MA/Wachusett Regional) interception, picked off by Eagles Byron Brown (Lynn, MA/Lynn English).

Husson drove from their nine yard line to the Mustang 15 half way through the second quarter. But again, the hosts knocked away a pass from McCandles on a fourth and four try that Mount Ida freshman Theo McCummings (Natick, MA/Natick) batted away with 2:29 to go in the half. The hosts ran out the clock for the remainder going into the break with the Eagles leading 3-0.

The third quarter was quiet by both teams offensively and dominated by the defenses with each squad one upping each other on every drive. Mustang junior cornerback Michael Epps (Englewood, NJ/Dwight Morrow) picked off McCandles pass at the Mount Ida 31 running it back to the 50 yard line, giving his team solid field position in the opening minutes of the second half. The Mustangs couldn't muster much of a drive and ended up going for it on a fourth and four on the Husson 20 yard line, but the quarterback keeper to Tokarz up the gut wasn't enough for the first down, turning the ball over to the visitors.

After five consecutive three and out's, three by the Mustangs and two by the Eagles, Husson finally added to their lead on a very tired Mount Ida defense in the opening of the fourth quarter. On a three play, 57 yard drive, Williams would break off a 35 yard run into the end zone for six points making it 9-0 Eagles followed by a botched PAT.

On the ensuing drive, the Mustangs started up on a solid kick return by junior wide out Kyle Watkins (New Haven, CT/James Hillhouse) taking it to the Husson 46 yard line. Tokarz aired out two passes, one to Watkins and the other to sophomore Steven Harris (Plantation, FL/Plantation), getting down to the one yard line. Tokarz would eventually punch one into the end zone for the touchdown on the quarterback keeper. The PAT by Bobby Hemmann (Newington, CT/Newington) was blocked making it 9-6 in favor of Husson.

The Eagles pounded it downfield to the Mount Ida 15 yard line. Husson went to their horse, Williams, who crossed the goal line, only to be called back on a holding penalty. Gauthier had a chance to give the visitors a six point lead on a 31 yard field goal, but it hit the left upright and bounced forward into the end zone with the officials waving their arms signaling a no good call.

The Mustangs would go three and out again, giving Husson the ball back with 4:36 remaining in the game. The Eagles capitalized on the opportunity for more points against an exhausted Mount Ida defense on a six play, 54 yard drive, capped off on another Williams TD, running this score in from three yards out. The PAT would be good giving the visitors the 16-6 advantage with 2:22 to go before the final whistle.

Gauthier would squib a kick to the Mount Ida 35 yard line, playing it safe and staying away from a speedy Kyle Watkins. After a defensive pass interference call on the Eagles, the Mustangs started to air the ball out. Tokarz completed three consecutive passes to Watkins, good for 42 yards and a touchdown cutting the lead to 16-12 with 1:29 to go. It was all but over with Mount Ida trying a desperation onside kick that failed sealing the victory for the Eagles.

Although Mount Ida gave up 200 yards to Williams, the Mustangs kept the passing game in check with two interceptions, holding McCandles to 121 yards throwing going 9-19. Tokarz completed 12 on 32 attempts good for 146 yards with a touchdown pass and a rushing TD; he ran for 39 yards and was picked off and sacked once. Mount Ida tailback Paul Shaughnessy (Malden, MA/Northeast Regional) had a very quiet game with 29 yards rushing on 20 carries. Watkins, who continues to be the offensive threat for the Mustangs, caught seven balls for 146 yards and a touchdown.

The Mustangs will head to Utica College this coming Saturday with kick-off coming at 1:30 p.m. The Eagles host Springfield College starting at 1:00 p.m. in Bangor, Maine.