Newton, MA - With Mount Ida College trailing by one point with 3:52 to go in the fourth quarter, Mustang sophomore running back Johrone Bunch (Meriden, CT/F.T. Maloney) punched in the winning two point conversion to give the Mustangs a 29-28 Eastern Collegiate Football Conference victory over visiting Husson University this Saturday on Halloween.  The Eagles had a chance to win the game on a 21 yard field goal with 1:21 remaining in the contest, but missed wide right to preserve the win for the hosts.  With the loss, the Eagles fall to 3-5, 2-3 in conference play.

Bunch had a record setting day for the Mustangs breaking two rushing records both set by Mount Ida alumnus Antwan Harris back in 2005.  Bunch broke the single season rushing record (1,405) needing 132 yards and getting 167.  He also broke the single season rushing touchdown record, also set by Harris (11), scoring two today giving him 12 total. 

The visitors went ahead immediately scoring the first two touchdowns of the game both on two yard rushes by Eagle senior running back Julius Williams (Boston, MA/East Boston) giving the visitors a 14-0 advantage with 11 minutes remaining in the second quarter. 

The Mustangs answered four minutes later on Bunch's first touchdown of the contest on a nine play, 81 yard drive that was capped off on a 35 yard scamper by Bunch making it 14-7 Eagles with 6:58 remaining in the second stanza.

With time expiring at the end of the second quarter, the Mustangs drove down the field setting up a chance to tie the score going into halftime.  The Mustangs lined up to kick a field goal and caught their opponents by surprise, faking the kick, with Mount Ida freshman quarterback Scott Drosendahl (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora) rolling out to the right side to pass.  Drosendahl fired it towards the end zone at the chest of junior wide out Steven Harris (Plantation, FL/Plantation) who bobbled it but miraculously came down with the catch for six points.  The Mustangs would tie the score with time expiring in the second quarter at 14-14 going into the break.

After a quiet opening to the third quarter, Husson converted six more points on a 16 yard pass from sophomore quarterback Jack Hersom (Sidney, ME/Lawrence) to senior wide receiver P.J. Dowe (Bangor, ME/Bangor).  After the successful PAT by freshman kicker Carlos Romero (Coral Springs, FL/Coral Springs) the Eagles led 21-14 with 3:33 left in the third.

Husson kept the offensive momentum rolling with another score coming with 11:57 showing in the beginning of the fourth quarter to give the Eagles a commanding 28-14 advantage.  Junior running back Justin Lindie (Winslow, ME/Winslow) powered a 37 yard scamper to complete a three play, 45 yard drive for the outright lead. 

Just when it looked like the Mustangs were sunk, senior wide receiver and return specialist senior Kyle Watkins (New Haven, CT/James Hillhouse) ran a 85 yard kickoff return to the house to pull back within a touchdown of the Eagles trailing 21-28 with 11:41 to go in the fourth quarter.  This score was the momentum the Mustangs needed to get themselves back into the contest. 

A stifling defensive performance by the Mustangs down the stretch was the key to setting up the victory giving the Mustangs another chance to score and get back in the game.  The final drive for Mount Ida was nothing short of legendary converting two fake punts for first downs along with 44 yards rushing by Bunch including the touchdown to pull the hosts within one (28-29).  Mustang Head Coach Michael Landers decided to win the game now converting the two point conversion on a punch in by Bunch for the 29-28 lead with 3:32 to go in the game.

Husson drove down the field and got into field goal range for a chance to take the lead before the end of the contest.  The Mustang defense was outstanding during the drive stopping the Eagles from crossing the end line for six along with two costly penalties by Husson.  The 21 yard attempt by Romero was missed wide right giving the Mustangs their fourth ECFC victory snapping a two game losing skid in the process.

The Mustangs were led by Bunch who scored two touchdowns and racked up 167 yards rushing.  Although he threw three inceptions, Drosendahl went 10-26 for 96 yards receiving and a crucial touchdown pass to Harris.  The Mount Ida defense was a very important part to the victory today with junior safety Julien Baptiste (Greenlawn, NY/Elwood-John Glenn) recording a game high nine solo tackles and an inception.  Freshman Marquis Brown (New Haven, CT/James Hillhouse) and junior Shane Gardner (Sunrise, FL/Northeast) recorded seven tackles a piece.

The Eagles saw outstanding individual performances from Williams who had 30 carries for 149 yards rushing and two touchdowns.  Eagles quarterback Hersom went 6-12 with a touchdown and a pick. 

Husson returns to action on November 7 at home against Becker.  Game time is at 12:00 and will be broadcast across the state of Maine.