Husson football gets first win of season
Maine College Football Weekends Deliver Thrilling Wins for Four Teams
In a series of Saturday matchups across the state, four collegiate programs celebrated decisive victories that marked turning points in their seasons. From Bangor to Amherst, Biddeford, and Middlebury, the games showcased standout performances and dramatic finishes.
Husson Seizes First Win of the Season in Bangor
Husson College earned its inaugural victory of the year by defeating Western New England College 26‑21 in Bangor. Quarterback Daniel Ruiz Cantu rushed for 65 yards and accounted for both of the Golden Bears’ touchdowns, while a 16‑of‑26 passing effort by Brody Gibson produced 143 yards and a 55‑yard connection to Jacob Lenz. The win snapped a 0‑3 start for Husson (overall record 2‑3, 1‑1 in the Conference of New England) and lifted the Golden Bears to 2‑3 on the season.
Western New England, coming in at 1‑4 overall and 1‑1 in conference play, fell short after a late 29‑yard pass from Carey Kilroy to John De Camps brought the Eagles within five points with just over two minutes remaining. Despite the close finish, Husson’s defense held firm on the final drive, preserving the victory.
Amherst Clinches Narrow Victory Over Bowdoin
In Amherst, the Mammoths (3‑0, 3‑0 in the NESCAC) edged out the Polar Bears (0‑3, 0‑3) by a score of 22‑13. The game was marked by a tightly contested first half, with Amherst holding a 15‑13 advantage at the break. A 2‑yard touchdown run by Demetrius Smith extended that lead into the second quarter, and no further points were scored in the remainder of the game.
Bowdoin’s offense struggled in the final minutes when a fourth‑and‑1 situation at the 9‑yard line with 1:16 left failed to convert, ending a potential comeback. The Polar Bears’ sole score came early, in the first quarter, on an interception return by Ferris Collins. Bowdoin quarterback Soren Hummell finished 23‑of‑39 for 171 yards, but the team was unable to keep pace with Amherst’s early advantage.
Endicott Dominates University of New England in Biddeford
The Gulls of Endicott (5‑0, 2‑0 Conference of New England) secured a convincing 55‑27 win over the Nor’easters (0‑5, 0‑2) in Biddeford. Endicott’s quarterback Shea Lynch threw for 369 yards and two passing touchdowns while adding 75 rushing yards and a second rushing score. Lynch’s performance included a 20‑of‑34 passing completion.
Running back Bryan Ferreira contributed a dominant 196 yards on 20 carries, scoring twice for the Gulls. On the receiving end, Damien Jones of the Nor’easters accumulated 104 yards on two catches, including a 73‑yard touchdown. Additional scoring plays for UNE included a 9‑yard run by Javin Willis and an interception return for a touchdown by CJ Cooper. Endicott’s offense proved too potent for a team that had not recorded a win yet this season.
Middlebury’s Panthers Dominate Colby in Vermont
In Middlebury, the Panthers (2‑1, 2‑1 NESCAC) outplayed the Mules (0‑3, 0‑3) with a final score of 32‑2. Connor McClennan rushed for 121 yards and netted four touchdowns, leading the Panthers’ ground attack. Aidan Moss threw for 163 yards on 15 completions, including a 13‑yard touchdown pass to Luis Kuehberger.
The Mules managed only a single safety in the third quarter for their lone points, while the Panthers’ defense stifled any offensive momentum from the opposing team. The decisive win further cemented Middlebury’s status as the only undefeated team in the NESCAC that weekend.
Season Highlights
Across these four games, the teams’ records reflect a range of fortunes: Husson’s first win, Amherst’s narrow triumph over an undefeated rival, Endicott’s dominant start to a perfect season, and Middlebury’s unbroken streak in the NESCAC. Each victory featured key performances from multiple players, underscoring the depth of talent in Maine’s collegiate football landscape.
