NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University football team were unable to withstand a punishing rushing attack by Springfield Saturday afternoon, in a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) contest, falling 56-7 to the Pride.

Springfield (3-3, 2-0 NEWMAC) gathered 576 yards of total offense, including 438 yards on the ground.  Norwich (2-5, 1-2 NEWMAC) also focused on their rushing attack earning 142 yards rushing the ball.

Rashawn Fraser (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) took snaps for the Cadets, rushing for 66 yards and completing four passes for 72 yards, including a 53-yard pass in the second quarter to set up a five-yard rushing touchdown by Jehric Hackney (Jehrico, Vt.), his first career touchdown carry.

Matthew Christe (Brookfield, Conn.) had a game-high 14 tackles in to contest, with eight solo tackles, Christe also registered a tackle for loss. Zev Motew (Highland Park, Ill.) also was in on nine tackles in the game.

On their first drive of the game the Pride used 4:25, 9 play, 77-yard drive capped off by a four-yard rush by quarterback David Wells, to take a 7-0 lead.  After D'Aunte Moore intercepted a pass, giving Springfield starting field position in Norwich territory.

Ryan Deguire capitalized on the starting position closing out a 56-yard drive with a touchdown. 

Trailing 21-0, the Cadets put together a 2:33 7 play, 74-yard drive that was rewarded with Hackney's touchdown.

Springfield scored on their first six possessions of the game. Norwich trailed 42-7 at the half.

Norwich will look to rebound next weekend when they travel to MIT to take on the Engineers in Cambridge Mass. for a 1 p.m. tilt on Saturday, Oct. 23. They will then follow up on Saturday, Oct. 30 at WPI at 12 p.m. to celebrate their seniors.