BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University football team got their season started on the right foot on Saturday afternoon at the Dr. John W. Winkin Sports Complex as they defeated Norwich University by a final of 28-14 in a non-conference showdown.

After back-to-back punts to start the game, Husson drew first blood as senior Nic Visser and junior running back Elijah Garnett led the Eagles on a 14-play, 61-yard drive that was capped-off by a two-yard run by Garnett that got Husson on the board. The drive was highlighted by a fourth down conversion that saw Visser sling a pass to junior tight end Cullen Casey that kept the drive alive in Norwich territory.

The Eagle's lead was short-lived as the Cadets would march 76 yards on 13 plays to knot the game back up at seven apiece. 

Husson would take back charge of the game two drives later as Visser would lead the team on a short-field drive that started at the Cadets 43-yard line and would put the Eagles back in front when he floated a pass from 26 yards out to junior wide receiver Ja'Quan Myles in the back corner of the end zone.

Both defenses would hold strong for the remainder of the half, as the score remained 14-7 Husson. 

The Eagles forced Norwich to punt on their opening drive of the second half and would look to add to their lead on their ensuing drive. The drive started at the Cadet's seven-yard line and looked promising as Husson drove 78 yards in 13 plays but was forced to settle for a field goal attempt as the Norwich defense looked to keep the game within reach. Sophomore kicker Garrett Martin would have his 32-yard field goal blocked by the Cadets and the Eagles would come away with no points on their six-minute drive.

Husson would almost immediately get the ball back as senior defensive lineman Tyrek Mann would pounce on a bad snap that was not handled by the Norwich quarterback to put the Eagles in prime scoring position.

Visser and the Husson offense would capitalize on the Cadet turnover just three plays later as Visser would connect on his second touchdown of the day when he found sophomore wide receiver Ashton Navarrete from 21 yards out to give the Eagles a two-score lead.

Husson's final score of the day would come on another short field opportunity as sophomore running back Jed Lober would find the end zone from two yards out to wrap up a quick four-play, 36-yard scoring drive that gained immediate traction when Garnett busted a 25-yard run up the middle to put the Eagles inside the Norwich red zone.

The Eagles allowed one more touchdown drive to the Cadets, but forced a turnover on downs on the next drive for Norwich after allowing an onside kick recovery. Husson's offense regained possession and salted away the final few minutes to earn their first season-opening victory since 2017.

Visser finished an efficient 19 of 26 through the air on the day and racked up 188 yards and two touchdown passes.

Garnett rushed 20 times on the day and gained 114 yards on the ground to go along with his touchdown run, while Lober concluded his day with 14 carries and 65 rushing yards and one score.

Myles paced the Eagle receivers as he hauled in just three passes but gained 82 yards and his touchdown catch, in addition to Navarrete hauling in six passes and tallying 60 yards through the air and one touchdown.

Senior linebacker Tucker Buzzell led the Husson tacklers on the day as he totaled 11 total tackles, including three solo stops.

Mann recorded two sacks on the day to pace the Eagle pass rushers, while senior cornerback Alex Brown and junior cornerback Antwan Turner each recorded three pass breakups to lead the Husson secondary.

The Eagles will hit the road next weekend as they will play another non-conference matchup against Springfield College. Kick-off for this road contest is set for 12 p.m.