With the schools all time leading rusher John Smith graduated, the Husson University football team knew that someone would have to step to the forefront in the new season. That new season started Saturday afternoon and the Eagles failed the first test, as the Union College Dutchmen outgained the visitors by nearly 200 yards and rolled to a 30-7 win at Bailey Field in Schenectady, New York.
Union (1-0) opened with a win for the first time since 2009. Dutchmen quarterback Will Bellamy went 19-29 passing, 370 yards, and three touchdowns. Receiver Griffin Beal caught eight passes for 115 yards, and two of the touchdown passes.
Husson quarterback Cory Brandon passed for 170 yards on 20-30 throws, but was intercepted twice. Running back Solomon Hassen had the lone Eagles score in the first quarter, and rushed 18 times for 86 yards. Beal scored the first touchdown of the game on a 21 yard pass and catch from Bellamy to make it 7-0 Union. Husson (0-1) responded when Hassen scored on a run from 10 yards out. After that it was all in favor of the hosts, regaining the lead on another 21 yard TD catch by Beal in the first to make it 13-7, and the same six point advantage they would take into the half. The Dutchmen added 10 points to their lead in the third on an Andre Ross Jr 64 yard TD reception, and a 28 yard field goal to put the game out of reach at 23-7. Union outgained Husson 427-237 in total yards.
Husson is on the road back in Maine next Saturday at 1 PM when they play new varsity program the University of New England Nor’Easters at UNE Blue Storm Stadium in Biddeford.
