BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University football team dropped a hard-fought Commonwealth Coast Conference matchup to Endicott College 23-13 on Saturday afternoon at the Dr. John W. Winkin Sports Complex.

The first quarter showcased physical defense by both Husson (5-3, 1-2 CCC) and Endicott (7-1, 3-0 CCC) that saw neither team put together a drive longer than 50 yards as the first quarter ended as it began with the score remaining at 0-0.

The Gulls were able to connect on two field goals in the second quarter as they carried a 6-0 lead into the halftime break.

Endicott was the first team to find the end zone as it opened the second half on a 10-play, 75-yard drive that was capped off with a nine-yard touchdown run by Anthony Caggianelli as the Eagles trailed 13-0 with 12:13 left in the third quarter.

Husson found the scoring column for the first time with 5:31 left in the third quarter as senior wide receiver Marcus Sessoms hauled in his first career touchdown pass on senior day, as he capped off a 68-yard drive for the Eagles. The touchdown march was highlighted by back-to-back 20-plus yard plays, as junior Cullen Casey reeled in a 20-yard pass from senior quarterback Nic Visser, followed by Visser connecting with junior wide receiver Dom Wilson on a flea-flicker that totaled 32 yards. 

Endicott extended its lead to nine to open up the final quarter as Ryan Smith connected on a 46 yard field goal, which was followed by a 21-yard touchdown run late in the quarter by quarterback Clayton Marengi to give the Gulls a 23-7 lead with just over two minutes left.

The Eagles tallied a final touchdown with 18 seconds left as Casey concluded a 12-play drive with a 15-yard touchdown reception.

Visser connected on 25 of his 33 passing attempts on the day and racked up 218 passing yards, in addition to his two touchdown passes.

Wilson led the Eagle's receiving core as he totaled four catches for 62 yards, while Casey hauled in six passes for 58 yards and his one touchdown.

Senior Tucker Buzzell concluded a busy day on defense with 18 total tackles, including five solo stops. Fellow senior Adam Bertrand also recorded double-digit tackles as he tallied 13.

Seniors Tyrek Mann and Jamal Dourant combined for a sack on the afternoon, while junior defensive back Antwan Turner broke up three passes.

Husson will hit the road next weekend as it competes against CCC rival the University of New England in the third annual Lobster Trap game. Kick-off for this CCC contest is set for 1:00 p.m.