The Husson football team clinched the Eastern College Football Conference title Saturday and a playoff appearance by defeating the defending league champions from Norwich 27-13 at the Winkin Sports Complex in Bangor.
Husson (8-1, 6-0) won their eighth straight game and found out after the win that they had clinched the title when Mount Ida lost to SUNY-Maritime 17-14.
The Eagles held a slim 7-0 halftime lead after a John Smith two yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Smith scored again early in the third quarter on a three yard run to make it 13-0 after a failed extra point.
Halfback Tyreque Estrada-Crapps picked up a lateral by quarterback Philippe Bayonet and connected on a 44 yard TD pass to receiver Pierre Noel to put Norwich on the board just under six minutes later. After a failed extra point it was 13-6. After a Husson three and out, the Cadets would tie the game 1:42 later on a Patrick Brown 64 yard TD run to make it 13-13.
Husson got another Smith TD run of two yards with 6:42 left in the game, and a Kadeem Edge 44 yard TD reception from Cory Brandon with two minutes remaining to pick up the win.
Smith carried 44 times, for 211 yards, and three touchdowns. Brandon was 15-26 passing, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Kyle Gaudet had four receptions for 75 yards while DJ Allen (six receptions) and Kadeem Edge (two receptions) both had 66 yards receiving.
Ellis Throckmorton led the defense with eight total tackles, while Jeff Turcotte and Elvis Suazo, Jr. both had seven total tackles and a half sack each. Luke Washburn also had seven total tackles and one and a half sacks. Husson also forced three interceptions and recovered a Norwich fumble.
Husson will finish off the regular season schedule and try to finish with a perfect record in the conference when they travel to Mount Ida next Saturday for a noontime kickoff. Norwich (4-5, 4-2) will host Castleton at 1 p.m. in their final game.
NOR 0 0 13 0- 13
HUS 7 0 6 14- 27
Total yards- Norwich 199 Husson 445
Turnovers- Norwich 4 Husson 3
Time of Possession- Norwich 25:45 Husson 34:15
