WORCESTER, Mass. — The Husson University football put together a pair of lengthy fourth-quarter drives with a chance to take the lead, but the Eagles came up just short in a 13-7 non-conference loss to Worcester Polytechnic Institute on Saturday afternoon at H. Carr Field.
Husson (0-3) outgained WPI 304-220 and held the Engineers to just 24 rushing yards, but WPI used two field goals and a defensive touchdown in the second quarter to build a 13-0 advantage. The Eagles finished with 204 yards through the air and 100 on the ground while controlling possession for 34:17.
After a scoreless opening quarter, WPI (2-1) broke through early in the second when Nathan Napier connected on a 42-yard field goal with 14:51 remaining in the half. The Engineers extended their advantage to 6-0 less than six minutes later on Napier's 25-yard field goal.
WPI produced the game's only defensive score with 8:19 remaining in the second quarter when Grant Engelhardt intercepted a pass and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown, pushing the Engineers' advantage to 13-0.
Husson answered just before halftime after taking possession at its own 40-yard line with 1:09 remaining, the Eagles marched 60 yards in just four plays. Senior quarterback Brody Gibson capped the drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to senior Brett Davis with 27 seconds remaining. SeniorAlexander Henry converted the extra point to pull Husson within 13-7 heading into halftime.
Neither team scored in the second half as the Eagles' defense kept Husson within one possession throughout the final 30 minutes.
The Eagles limited WPI to 24 rushing yards on 25 attempts and recorded two sacks and eight tackles for loss. Husson also held the Engineers to 3-of-14 on third down.
Husson's offense mounted its best opportunity to take the lead early in the fourth quarter.
Beginning at its own 13-yard line with 14:51 remaining, Husson put together a 17-play, 84-yard drive that consumed 9:42. The Eagles worked their way all the way to the WPI 3-yard line before the Engineers made a fourth-down stop with 5:09 remaining.
The Husson defense responded by forcing a three-and-out, giving the offense one final opportunity.
Starting at the WPI 40 with 3:34 to play, the Eagles advanced 26 yards and reached the Engineers' 14-yard line before turning the ball over on downs with just 10 seconds remaining, allowing WPI to run out the clock.
Gibson finished the afternoon 25-of-42 passing for 204 yards and a touchdown, while adding 21 yards on the ground. Sophomore Anthony Santacroce led the rushing attack with 57 yards on 16 carries.
Senior Jacob Lenz paced the Eagles' receiving corps with seven catches for 81 yards, including a game-long 31-yard reception. Davis added seven receptions for 44 yards and Husson's lone touchdown, while sophomore Dom Rolle hauled in four passes for 37 yards and junior Dominic Trott finished with four receptions for 24 yards.
Defensively, freshman Melvyn Telisca led Husson with eight tackles and a pass breakup. Freshman AJ Oliver, junior Brayden Trombly and junior JT Wright each recorded six tackles, while Wright added two tackles for loss.
Freshman Calvin Casavant and senior Lopati Stotler each recorded a sack, helping the Eagles hold WPI to an average of just 3.9 yards per play.
Husson will look to get in the win column on Saturday when it heads to Endicott College for its Conference of New England Opener at 12 p.m.
