BANGOR – Husson College has the honor of kicking off Maine’s college football season.

The Eagles will play the first night game in program history tonight at 7 when they entertain Division II Pace University of Pleasantville, N.Y., at the Winkin Complex.

Coach Gabby Price’s Husson team, which was 6-4 last season, wanted to do something different to get the season off on an exciting note.

“We thought it would be a shot in the arm for the program and give people who work during the day a chance to see us,” Price said of the night game.

The Eagles also are looking to avenge a 27-14 loss at Pace in their 2006 season opener.

“We want to carry on the enthusiasm from last year into this year and really show some people what we’re made of,” said senior Jason Cross of Hampden.

“Pace kind of embarrassed us a little bit last year,” he added. “They were on their game and we were way off our game. This year we couldn’t be more in our element playing up here.”

It also is Military Appreciation Day, which will honor Husson students and staff who have served in the military. Select National Guard units will be recognized at halftime.

Husson returns a veteran nucleus on both sides of the ball, including plenty of experience and depth in its offensive and defensive lines. The Eagles hope their defense can again set the tone behind the likes of linebacker Ross Salovitch, ends Shane Rogers and Joe Melcher, and cornerback Ramael Barton.

Husson was stout against the run and stingy against the pass and has made 61 interceptions in its last 27 games.

The Eagles face a Pace offense that has experience at the skill positions but is young up front. Daniel Moyer passed for 902 yards and three touchdowns a year ago, with Richard Pinck his top target (22 receptions, 159 yards).

The Setters must get better with the run game after netting only 43 yards per game and 1.4 yards per carry last season. Fullback Scott Shuryn (202 yds.) heads the returnees.

Husson also hopes to boost its offensive production. Senior Jonah Chappell has taken over at quarterback and is blessed not only with a veteran offensive line but with talented tailback Bryan Ferguson and game-tested receivers in Jeremy Shorey and Andre Wildman.

Pace will field a seasoned defense led by linebackers and top returning tacklers Joe Streany and Bobby Guy.

Husson has a bit of extra incentive against Pace, which refused a request to exchange game tapes.