The Husson Eagles fell 20-0 to the Endicott Gulls in the Commonwealth Coast Conference football opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon at Hempstead Stadium in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Husson (1-4, 0-1 CCC) did a good job defensively in the first half, allowing just a 33 yard touchdown run to Endicott running back Tyler Bridge on the first drive of the game. A two-point conversion pass would fail, and the hosts held a slim 6-0 lead at halftime. The Eagles also had a blocked field goal late in the second quarter to keep it at a six point deficit. The issues for the guests offensively continued in this game, while the Gulls extended their lead to 13-0 on a three yard touchdown run by quarterback Clayton Marengi early in the third. Bridge added another score in the fourth on a 14 yard run, as him and fellow running back Yavier Cosme-Diaz both went over 100 yards in the win. Husson quarterback Nic Visser had a pair of interceptions, one in each half, and as a team they would go 5 for 14 on third down and also 1 for 4 on fourth down plays deep in Endicott territory.
Visser finished 22 of 33 passing for 196 yards and the two interceptions in the loss. Elijah Garrett was the work horse as he has been so far this season with 19 carries for 77 yards. Russ Walker and Jordan Marcano each caught five passes, while Jon Bell led in receiving yards with four for 74 yards. Tucker Buzzell (14), Tyrek Mann (10), and Adam Bertrand (10) each had double digit total tackles to lead the defense. Mann also added a sack. The Eagles have scored only six total touchdowns in five games. Marengi was efficient in the win for Endicott College (5-0, 1-0) going 13-19 passing for 92 yards, and also rushing for 56 yards on nine attempts. Cosme-Diaz had 118 yards on 16 rushes, while Bridges finished up with 104 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. Anthony Norcia was the leading pass catcher for the Gulls with five for 30 yards. Tyler Davis had seven total tackles. The Endicott defense recorded five more QB sacks, and now has a total of 25 of them in five contests. This is their third shutout, as they’ve only allowed 20 total points in outscoring their opponents 125-20. Husson returns home next Saturday as they welcome in the University of New England for a rivalry CCC contest and the second annual Lobster Trap game at 1 p.m.
