Run game, defense are keys for Husson today

Husson College is in a unique position today as the college football season kicks off around the country.

Coach Gabby Price’s Eagles have the distinction of being the only Maine college team in action this weekend. The start time was moved up two hours to help avoid bad weather associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ernesto.

The University of Maine and Maine Maritime Academy of Castine both have open dates to start the season, while Colby, Bates and Bowdoin don’t play their first game until Sept. 23.

Husson (0-0) at Pace (0-0), 11 a.m., Pleasantville, N.Y.

The Eagles begin their fourth varsity season intent on continuing their improvement. However, Husson faces a Pace squad that awards scholarships and competes in the Division II Northeast-10 Conference.

Price said the Eagles are strong in the interior lines and need to be able to both run the ball and stop the run.

Sophomore Darius Charlton is the top ground threat in Husson’s single-back scheme, while veteran QB David Chase of Sabattus will be throwing to the likes of Jeremy Shorey and Lincoln’s Dustin Hanscom.

Pace, which went 3-7 last season, has considerable experience on defense, including its top four tacklers. Leaders include linebackers Joe Streany, Brian Schuster and Bobby Guy.

The Husson defense, whose mainstays include tackle Tyler Libbey of Mattawamkeag and linebacker Ross Salovitch, has plenty of veterans with which to contend with the Pace offense.

The Setters have retooled their offense after losing three-year starters at quarterback, tailback and fullback in its spread offense. It features five returning starters up front who will try to open holes for TB Reuben Pagan and protect QB Adam Headley, a transfer from Division I-AA Stony Brook.