PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Senior
Manny Sanchez (Hartford, Conn.) rushed for a go-ahead touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, but Husson University rallied for a TD in the final seconds to earn a 10-7 win and spoil Plymouth State University's home opening football game at Panther Field on Saturday afternoon.
PSU's defense was superb coming away with three interceptions and led by senior
Quinn Girard's (Glens Falls, N.Y.) 13 tackles. The Panthers held Husson to just three points over the first 59:46, but the visitors completed an 18-yard pass to the right sideline of the end zone with 14 seconds to play to steal the win.
Plymouth State had taken the lead midway through the fourth quarter when Sanchez found paydirt from three yards out to cap a seven-play, 42-yard drive with 8:10 left on the clock.
PSU honored its 2020-21 NCAA Championships participants during a special halftime ceremony, while the team also paid tribute to Hall of Fame coach Lou Desloges in celebration of his 32 years of service to the program.
Plymouth State falls to 0-2, while Husson improves to 1-1.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 7, Husson 10
- Plymouth State (0-2)
- Husson (1-1)
Top Performers:
How it Happened:
- After a scoreless first quarter, Husson broke through with a 22-yard field goal from Aaron Paradis midway through the second quarter.
- The Eagles threatened again late in the second quarter with a long 15-play, 88-yard drive, but Normandeau came away with a huge interception at the PSU 4-yard line with just 27 seconds left in the half to keep it a three-point deficit.
- Plymouth State put together its longest drive of the game late in the third quarter. Senior quarterback Brett Lavanchy (Walpole, Mass.) hit classmate Gavin Moody (Concord, N.H.) for a 17-yard gain on third-and-15 to extend the drive. Lavanchy found junior Bryan Warren (Pine Bush, N.Y.) for a 30-yard strike to open the fourth quarter and put the ball inside the Husson 10-yard line. PSU pushed the ball down to the four on runs from Sanchez and Lavanchy, but an illegal shift moved the ball back and Husson's defense came away with an interception to maintain the 3-0 lead.
- Undeterred, the PSU defense forced a quick three-and-out and the offense, featuring seven straight runs from sophomore Willie Lombard (Bridgewater, Mass.) and Sanchez, drove 42 yards for a go-ahead score.
- Plymouth State looked to be in good shape as Normandeau came away with his second interception of the afternoon at the PSU 25-yard line with just under six minutes left, but the visitors got the ball back with just under two minutes left and were able to drive down field for the game-winning score with next to no time remaining.
By the Numbers:
- Lombard led the Panthers' ground game with 33 yards on nine rushes, while Warren caught two balls for 35 yards.
- Girard led the defense with his 13 tackles, while senior Terrell Lewis (New Boston, N.H.) added eight solo stops and broke up three passes.
- Lavanchy finished 7-of-15 for 72 yards.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State opens Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) play next Saturday (Sept. 18) at Bridgewater State University. Kickoff is slated for 3:00 p.m.
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