The Husson Eagles football team held a 14-0 halftime advantage Saturday afternoon, but would lose when the hosts from Western New England University scored in the games final minute to steal a 21-14 non conference victory at Golden Bear Stadium in Springfield, Massacussetts.
In a rematch of a Division III playoff game last season won by WNEU, Husson opened the scoring in the second when quarterback Cory Brandon found Aiden Hogan for a four yard touchdown pass to make it 7-0. The Eagles increased the lead less than two minutes later, after a Western New England fumble was recovered by Husson. On the first play after the recovery, Robenson Saintard ran 55 yards for a score and made it 14-0 at the break.
Husson (2-1), nearly took a three touchdown lead in the third, but running back John Smith fumbled near the WNEU goal line after he was stripped, and cornerback Zhaire House returned it 94 yards to the Eagles six yard line. One play later the Golden Bears got a touchdown run from Jamyre Soberanis to make it 14-7. Later in the third, Dante Aiken scored on a seven yard run to even the score at 14-14.
With 2:06 play in regulation, WNEU (2-2) got the ball at the Husson 40. With 52 seconds left, Golden Bears quarterback Anthony Service found receiver Josh Henry for a 28 yard game winning touchdown pass.
Brandon finished 20-36 passing, 216 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Smith ran 32 times for 128 yards, while Saintard led the recieving group with four catches for 77 yards. Jean Gabriel and Frank Curran had seven tackles a piece to lead the Eagles defense.
Husson will travel to Endicott for a 12 noon kickoff next Saturday in another non-conference matchup.
HUS (2-1) 0 14 0 0- 14
WNE (2-2) 0 0 14 7- 21
First downs- Husson 20 WNE 16
Total yards- Husson 420 WNE 267
Turnovers- Husson 2 WNE 1
