Box Score Bangor, Maine - Norwich University remained unbeaten in ECFC play with a thrilling 20-19 victory over Husson University. The Cadets defense stopped running back Julius Williams (Sr., Boston, MA) on a two point conversion to preserve the win. Norwich moves to 4-0 in the ECFC (4-3 overall) and Husson falls to 1-3 in the ECFC and 2-4 overall.
The game winning drive for Norwich was set up when Nick Zuccarini (So., Geneva, IL) blocked a punt by Justin Lindie (Sr., Winslow, ME). The Cadets took over at the 50 yard-line. Kris Sabourin (Fy., Georgia, VT) ran for 4 yards to start the drive and Norwich picked up another 15 yards on a penalty, giving them a 1st down at the Husson 31. Eight plays later Orwin Etkins (Fy., Miramar, FL) took it in off the right side breaking a 13-13 tie with 6:02 remaining. Ryan Kelly (Jr., Niskayuna, NY) converted the PAT making it 20-13. The Eagles thought they had stopped the drive when Bobby Gilbert (Sr., Beaver Cove, ME) forced Danny Triplett (Fy., Haverhill, MA) to fumble and Husson recovered the ball at the one. Triplett was ruled down on the play.
Husson marched down the field on the next possession taking the ball deep into Norwich territory. Cody Goddard (Fy., Auburn, ME) completed passes of 14 yards to James Dobson (Sr., Berwick, ME) and 18 yards to Roderic Johnson (Jr., Bloomfield, CT) taking the ball to the Norwich 18 yard line. On the next play, Goodard looked for Victor McKenzie in the corner of the end zone but DJ Siverhus (So., Dover, NH) picked off the ball, giving it back to Norwich.
The Eagles forced a punt on the next defensive possession and a brilliant 43 yard punt return by senior Ramael Barton (Danbury, CT) set Husson up at the Norwich 22 yard line with 2:27 left. Williams went to work and four carries later the Eagles cut the lead to 20-19. Husson opted for a two point try, giving the ball to Williams off the left side but he could not convert.
Husson trailed 10-6 at the half as Norwich controlled by dominating time of possession and ending the game with a 37:32 - 22:28 advantage. Husson was able to convert just one first down in the first half but scored the game's first touchdown on a 73 yard interception return by senior Doug Blades (Norwich, CT).
Triplett put Norwich up 7-6 when he converted a 2 yard touchdown run with 3:00 minutes remaining in the half. Triplett finished the game with 118 yards on 21 carries while Adrew Fulford (So., Gloucester, MA) also had 118 yards on 28 carries. The Cadets had 281 yards rushing. Ryan Kelly kicked two field goals from 20 and 25 yards while converting both PAT.
Audie Murphy (Fy., Biddeford, ME) finished with three catches including a leaping touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone. Goddard was 7-17 for 93 yards and one touchdown. Williams carried 17 times for 93 yards.
The Eagles defense played well facing 73 plays while being on the field for 33 minutes. They forced two fumbles and had one interception while scoring a touchdown. Chris Dalecki (So., Eliot, ME) had 10.5 tackles and Keenon Blindow (Sr., Morgan, VT) finished with 8.5 tackles.
Norwich held Husson to 173 yards total offense including just 80 yards rushing. Dan Reale (Sr., Burlington, MA) paced Norwich with 5 tackles and Chris Roberto (Jr., Wakefield, MA) had 4.5 tackles.
Husson has now lost three straight and will travel to Castleton State next Saturday, October 24 for a noon kickoff. Norwich will host Anna Maria at 1:30 pm on October 24.
