John Smith rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns, and Quan Soyini came up with an interception late in the fourth quarter Saturday as the Husson Eagles won their first ever playoff game by topping Springfield College 23-21 in the first round of the Div III football playoffs at Stagg Field in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Cory Brandon went 20-32 passing and a touchdown, but did throw a pair of interceptions. Both Springfield running backs, Hunter Belzo and Jordan Wilcox ran for over 100 yards and combined for three touchdowns. The Pride however, lost two fumbles and threw a pair of interceptions on the afternoon. Soyini came up with the biggest play, as he picked off Pride quarterback Jake Eglintine on a third down play in Eagles territory at the 40 with less than two minutes left. The Eagles relied on Smith to pick up a first down on three runs to kill the clock and advance to the second round.
Husson (10-1), will face #5 and undefeated Delaware Valley University next Saturday at noon on the road in the second round. Springfield finishes their season at 10-1.
