Husson downs Setters Eagles’ defense stymies Pace

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BANGOR – Friday was an historic night for Husson College football – and a memorable one for Jonah Chappell.

The senior quarterback from Fryeburg passed for 207 first-half yards Friday night to help set the tone for the Eagles’ season-opening 25-13 victory over Pace University at rain-dampened Winkin Complex.

It was the first home game under the lights for Husson and was the program’s first victory over a Division II team.

“They’re a very good team,” said Husson junior cornerback Ramael Barton. “[The win] gives us more credibility as a school.”

The Eagles built the victory on their relentless defense and a well-balanced offense.

Chappell, a transfer from Hudson Bay Community College, wound up completing 13 of 31 passes for 268 yards. He was intercepted four times, but only one proved costly.

“It was good. I’m glad I’ve finally taken over the helm,” Chappell said. “It’s [the victory] huge, especially against an opponent that’s DII.”

Freshman wideout Victor McKenzie meshed well with Chappell, catching six passes for 117 yards.

Husson led 18-7 at halftime and preserved its lead with a run attack made possible by the offensive line. Bryan Ferguson rushed for 104 yards while Julius Williams netted 98 yards as the hosts outgained Pace by a decisive 474-156 margin.

“We still had two backs, but we spread them out a little bit,” Husson coach Gabby Price said. “We didn’t think they could score on us, so we just got a little more conservative in the second half.”

The Setters (0-1) found themselves completely stymied by the Eagles’ attacking defense. Quarterback Jeremy Ducos was chased around and hurried into a dismal 9-for-39 passing performance that netted 108 yards.

“That’s the one thing on our defense, we always get pressure on the quarterback,” Barton said. “Once that happens, the defense has an easier job.”

Husson showed its mettle after a potentially costly miscue.

Leading 5-0 late in the first quarter, Doug Blades muffed a punt after making a fair catch signal and Pace got the ball on the Eagles’ 2-yard line.

Chris Castellano’s TD run put the Setters in front 7-5.

It didn’t have any noticeable psychological effect on Husson.

Led by the running of Williams and Chappell’s strong arm, the Eagles manufactured an impressive 14-play, 90-yard scoring drive.

Chappell’s 41-yard fade pass to Andrew Wildman helped give Husson the momentum it needed. Chappell later found McKenzie on a 25-yard hookup, setting up Ferguson’s 4-yard scoring run that put Husson ahead for good at 11-7.

“We picked each other up,” Barton said. “The offense got going and drove down the field. If everyone stays enthusiastic and focused, everything should come out fine.”

The Eagles padded the lead on their next possession as Chappell fired a 41-yard strike to Wildman and a 20-yard toss to McKenzie that led to a 2-yard scoring dive by Williams.

Darren Gauthier’s PAT made it 18-7 with 4:48 left in the half.

Pace got back in the contest on the second play of the third quarter when Jon Jones stepped in front of a Chappell pass and raced 58 yards for a touchdown, making it 18-13. The conversion pass failed.

Williams helped Husson regain a more comfortable advantage, carrying four times for 40 yards to spearhead a 57-yard march that culminated in his 2-yard TD dive with 8:57 left in the third quarter.

“I think it starts with the ‘D.’ They’ve been holding teams down for three years and it starts with them,” Williams said. “It looked like tonight we gelled together.”

Blades paced the Husson defense with 81/2 tackles and three pass breakups, while Bobby Gilbert had 51/2. Ends Shane Rogers and Joe Melcher were the catalysts in keeping the pressure on Pace QB Ducos.

Joe Streany was a defensive menace for Pace, getting in on 27 tackles, including 11 solos.

EAGLES 25, SETTERS13

Pace (0-1) 7 0 6 0 – 13

Husson (1-0) 5 13 7 0 – 25

H – Gauthier 24 field goal

P – C. Castellano 2 run (Trumper kick)

H – Ferguson 4 run (Trumper kick)

H – Williams 3 run (Gauthier kick)

P – Jones 58 interception return (pass failed)

H – Williams 1 run (Gauthier kick)

Pace Husson

First downs 9 22

Rushing att.-yards 24-48 60-206

Passing comp.-att. 9-39 13-31

Passing yards 108 268

Total yards 156 474

Punts-avg. 10-40.6 4-36.5

Fumbles-lost 2-1 1-1

Intercepted by 4 1

Penalties-yards 12-89 11-95

Rushing

Pace: C. Castellano 15-43, Polanis 2-12, Mohammed 1-4, Pagan 1-3, Ducos 4-(-3), McCollum 1-(-11); Husson: Ferguson 26-104, Williams 23-98, Barnet 4-12, Chappell 7-(-8)

Passing

Pace: Ducos 9-39-1-108; Husson: Chappell 13-31-4-268

Receiving

Pace: Cooney 4-55, Pinck 3-37, Polanis 2-16; Husson: McKenzie 6-117, Shorey 3-30, Wildman 2-83, Poissionner 2-38

A-1,000