Mount Ida College senior defensive back Mackenson Charles (Lynn, MA/Lynn Technical) took back a 19 yard interception for a touchdown with 6:06 remaining in the third quarter to tie the score at 17-17. But two key turnovers in the final quarter of play led to a 31-17 Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) loss to hosting rival Norwich University Saturday afternoon in Northfield, Vermont.
This was the league opener for the Mustangs who fall to an overall record of 1-3 with a conference slate of 0-1 while the Cadets sit atop the ECFC standings with a league record of 2-0, 2-3 for the 2011 season.
Norwich got on the board first with a six yard quarterback scamper with 11:12 showing in the first quarter leading 7-0 after a successful point after attempt (PAT) on a three play, 81 yard drive following a Mount Ida turnover.
The Mustangs countered with a field goal by senior kicker Bobby Hemann (Newington, CT/Newington) trailing 7-3 with 3:35 to go in the first stanza finalizing a 15 play, 60 yard drive.
Following a fumble by junior quarterback Scott Drosendahl (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora), the hosts converted a four play, 26 yard drive to command a 14-3 advantage with 13:29 showing in the second quarter of play.
The Mustangs countered with a one yard touchdown scamper by Drosendahl capping off a 14 play, 71 yard drive with 7:49 to go before the midway point. Neither team could muster a score for the rest of the stanza heading into half with the Cadets leading (14-10).
The hosts added to their lead with 8:55 showing on the clock in the third quarter converting a 35 yard field goal to inflate their advantage up 17-10.
Charles would tie the game with 6:06 remaining in the third quarter on a pick six from 19 yards out making it 17-17 following a successful PAT by Hemann.
The Cadets countered late in the fourth quarter (4:06) on a one yard touchdown run completing a nine play, 80 yard drive to go ahead 24-17.
Mount Ida was driving in the red zone when Drosendahl threw his third and final interception of the contest that turned into an 84 yard pick six for the visitors to lead 31-17 that would eventually turn into an ECFC victory.
Offensively, Drosendahl went 21-41 with 284 yards passing and a rushing touchdown; he was also sacked three times. Senior running back Johrone Bunch (Meriden, CT/F.T. Maloney) was unable to score but went for 112 yards rushing. Junior wide receiver Matthew Valentini (Lake Hoptacong, NY/Jefferson TWP) caught a season high nine passes for an impressive 164 yards receiving.
Defensively the Mustangs were led by freshman Marcus Pettigrew (Auburn, MA/Auburn) with seven solo tackles and three tackles for a loss.
The Mustangs will travel to ECFC member Anna Maria College this coming Saturday with game time slated for 1:00 p.m.