Husson, MMA face tough foes to obtain third wins

Husson University of Bangor and Maine Maritime Academy of Castine both will look to get over the .500 mark for the season when they hit the road for Saturday football contests in Massachusetts.

Colby, Bates and Bowdoin are all in action, while the University of Maine has a bye this weekend.

Husson Eagles (2-2) at Mount Ida Mustangs (2-1), 1 p.m., Newton Center, Mass.: Coach Gabby Price’s team hits the road for the fourth time in five weeks for a game against future North Atlantic Conference opponent Mount Ida.

These two programs have met five times since Husson brought back football, with the Mustangs owning a 3-2 series advantage. The Eagles will try to go 3-0 in Division III play as both of their losses have come against Division II competition.

Husson relies heavily on its rushing attack, staying on the ground 78 percent of the time. Tailbacks Julius Williams (89.2 yards per game) and Justin Lindie (72.5 ypg) provide a strong tandem.

The Eagles have committed seven turnovers in four games.

Husson has surrendered 413 yards and 28.3 points per outing. Junior linebacker Bobby Gilbert of Beaver Cove (29 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and freshman safety Kyle Vanidestine (25 tackles) have been productive.

Mount Ida has won two straight and has played solid defense. The Mustangs have given up only 244 total yards per game, sparked by the play of linebacker Jordan Edinger, who has posted 24 tackles, 9.5 for a loss.

Offensively, the Mustangs have shown good balance, but lack a dominating back. Quarterback Tony Tokarz has thrown for 394 yards and seven touchdowns.

Maine Maritime Acad. Mariners (2-2) at Westfield State Owls (2-2), 1 p.m., Westfield, Mass.: The Mariners hope to make it three in a row as they play a New England Football Conference Bogan Division game.

Coach Chris McKenney’s team continues to crank out plenty of points and yardage with their option offense, which ranks No. 1 in Division III while rolling up 375 rushing yards per contest. Fullback Jim Bower of South Paris is the No. 2 rusher in the country, netting 176.3 yards per game.

MMA also is putting up a healthy 38.5 ppg.

The Owls rank fourth in the NEFC, allowing only 320 ypg, led by LB Jay Fielding (42 tackles).

The Mariners have surrendered 415 yards and 35.5 points per game. Linebacker Travis Fergola has been busy, averaging 15.7 tackles, good for the No. 2 ranking in Division III. Linebacker Wade Mondoux has posted 10.8 tackles per game.

MMA needs to minimize its turnovers, as it enters the contest a league-worst minus-9 in turnover margin. If the Mariners can control the football with Bower, QB Tyler Angell (63 ypg) and halfback Nick Bourassa (65.8 ypg) and convert scoring chances, they could give the Owls fits.

Today’s other games: Tufts (2-0) at Bowdoin (0-2), Wesleyan (0-2) at Colby (1-1), Williams (1-1) at Bates (0-2).

pwarner@bangordailynews.net

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