BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University football team scored 21 fourth-quarter points in a late comeback attempt, but the Eagles ultimately fell 46-35 to the University of New England in Conference of New England action Saturday afternoon at Dr. John W. Winkin Sports Complex in the sixth annual Lobster Trap Game.
Despite trailing by as many as 26 points in the second half, Husson (2-5, 2-2 CNE) continued to battle, scoring three touchdowns in the final quarter while finishing with 481 yards of total offense against the Nor'easters (2-5, 2-2 CNE).
Senior quarterback Brody Gibson led the Eagles' offensive attack, completing 35 of 55 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns, setting new single-game program records for completions and passing attempts. Senior wide receiver Brett Davis hauled in a game-high nine receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown, while junior Aubrey Stewart added five catches for a team-high 99 yards and a score.
UNE jumped out to an early advantage, opening the scoring on a six-yard touchdown run by Damien Jones with 7:30 remaining in the first quarter. The Nor'easters doubled their lead later in the period when Chris Lang connected with Jones for a 30-yard touchdown pass, giving the visitors a 13-0 advantage after 15 minutes.
The Nor'easters extended their lead to 20-0 early in the second quarter on a 21-yard touchdown reception by Dante Howard.
Husson answered with an eight-play, 63-yard scoring drive midway through the second quarter. Gibson capped the possession with a four-yard touchdown pass to senior Jacob Lenz, while senior Alexander Henry converted the extra point to cut the deficit to 20-7 with 6:47 remaining before halftime.
UNE responded with a 60-yard touchdown run by Jones with 1:42 left in the half, sending the Nor'easters into the locker room holding a 26-7 advantage.
The Eagles came out firing to begin the second half, needing just five plays to cover 50 yards on their opening possession. Gibson connected with Davis for a 35-yard touchdown strike, pulling Husson within 26-14 just 1:45 into the third quarter.
However, UNE answered quickly with a 27-yard touchdown run by Jones before George Villis returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, extending the Nor'easters' advantage to 40-14 with 10 minutes remaining in the third.
Husson refused to go away, putting together an 80-yard scoring drive that carried into the fourth quarter. Sophomore running back Daniel Ruiz Cantu finished the 10-play possession with a two-yard touchdown run, trimming the deficit to 40-20 with 14:21 remaining.
UNE answered with a 10-play, 67-yard drive of its own, capped by a 13-yard touchdown run from quarterback Gavin Martin to push the lead to 46-20 with 10:11 left to play.
The Eagles continued their comeback effort on the ensuing possession, marching 61 yards on 11 plays before Gibson found Lenz for his second four-yard touchdown reception of the afternoon. Henry's extra point made it 46-27 with 5:05 remaining.
Husson's defense then came up with a key turnover, as freshman defensive back AJ Oliver intercepted a UNE pass with 3:42 left in regulation, giving the Eagles another opportunity.
Gibson and the Husson offense capitalized, putting together an eight-play, 69-yard scoring drive that ended with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Stewart with 51 seconds remaining. Gibson connected with Lenz on the ensuing two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 46-35.
The Eagles successfully recovered the ensuing onside kick, giving the offense one final opportunity to complete the comeback. Husson advanced the ball into UNE territory, but an interception with two seconds remaining sealed the victory for the Nor'easters.
Husson finished with 327 passing yards and 154 rushing yards, while controlling possession for 40:16 compared to UNE's 19:44. The Eagles also recorded 26 first downs and converted 10 of their 20 third-down opportunities.
Lenz finished with six receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns, while junior Caden Crocker added six catches for 38 yards. Junior tight end Dominic Trott contributed four receptions for 37 yards.
On the ground, sophomore Anthony Santacroce led Husson with 79 yards on 11 carries, highlighted by a 47-yard run, while Ruiz Cantu added 50 yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts.
Defensively, junior linebacker JT Wright paced the Eagles with nine tackles, followed by sophomore Cooper McNamara with eight. Juniors Brayden Trombly and Erik Menger each recorded seven tackles, while Oliver added the interception.
The Eagles return to CNE play on the road on Saturday when they head to Curry College for a 12 p.m. matchup.
