Box Score NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The shorthanded Cadets dropped the final game of the season on senior day. Salve Regina, who entered the final game of the season in second place in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), won the game 38-0.

Salve Regina, after being forced to punt on their first possession, took advantage of a tipped interception to start the next possession already in the red zone. The Norwich defense, the top ranked red zone defense in the NEWMAC, only allowed the visitors to gain 7 yards and then partially blocked the field goal attempt which knuckled just over the crossbar for the first points on the day. The visitors would go on to score on four of their first five possessions to take control of the game early. The Norwich offense struggled to get on track against the top ranked defense in the NEWMAC. 

Although the outcome was not what the home crowd faithful wanted to see, the game also served as a celebration of the seniors. Every college senior should be celebrated for their sacrifice, commitment, and dedication to persevere through four or five years of being a student-athlete. This class entered college under some difficult circumstances but never relented in their pursuit of personal improvement. 

Prior to the game the following seniors were honored. 

Zach Buchy (Suffolk, Va.), Kicker. Buchy was a 3-year starter who was the primary kickoff and field goal / PAT kicker but also filled in at punter when called upon due to injuries. He was 7/11 on field goals in his career. It was not uncommon to see him cover down the field and be aggressively involved in tackles on kick off team. In fact, he delivered several strong hits on opponents. 

Ethan Amburn (Suffield, Conn.), Safety. Amburn continued to improve throughout his career and played his best football during his senior season. He accumulated 217 total tackles for the Maroon & Gold, 3 tackles for loss, 13 passes defended, and 2 interceptions. Against Castleton earlier this year, he sealed the victory with an interception returned for a touchdown.

Justin Bryant (Eliot, Maine), Running Back. The team captain was the true definition of an all-around football player during his career. His 233 career carries resulted in 865 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. He was equally effective catching the football with 29 career receptions, 388 yards, and 2 more touchdowns. He also successfully filled in at punter at various times during his career to show his true versatility. 

Jehric Hackney (Jehrico, Vt.), Running Back. The team captain was the epitome of an emotional leader throughout his career. His infectious personality often rallied his teammates. Hackney was another all-around football player who excelled in every phase of the game. He had 202 career carries for 945 yards rushing, 4 touchdowns, and averaged 4.7 yards per carry during his career. He added 18 receptions for 101 yards and another touchdown out of the backfield. An excellent special teams player, he had 49 career kickoff returns for 955 yards, averaged 19.5 yards per return, and earned the 2022 Norwich special teams player of the year. Hackney missed most of this season due to injury and his absence was sorely noticed.

Declan Kapusta (Walhalla, S.C.), Linebacker. Kapusta was another player who saved his best football for his senior year. He accumulated 114 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in his career. 

John Donoughe (Altoona, Pa.), Defensive Line. The consummate teammate, he willingly switched positions, from Lineback to Defensive Line, during his career. His impact on the team did not show up on the stat sheet, but his dedication and hard work helped to improve the defense each year of his career. 

Zach Kirka (Potsdam, N.Y.), Linebacker. The defensive team captain played his career as part of a deep inside linebacker corps. Kirka totaled 67 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery during his career. 

Garrett Field (Tampa, Fla.), Linebakcer. Field battled through injuries which derailed his playing career at various times during his career. His willingness to continue pushing through injuries often motivated his teammates to improve as well. 

Matthew Brigham (Goodyear, AZ), Offensive Line. The 3-year starter on the offensive line was a consistent fixture up front. His knowledge of the offense and positional flexibility allowed him to earn a relatively unique distinction. Brigham played 4 of the 5 offensive line positions in a single game during his career. 

Winston Churchill (Windsor, Conn.), Offensive Line. The team captain was another 3-year starter on the offensive line. Churchill truly quarterbacked the offensive line and was like having another coach on the field. Not only a great player, but his ability to communicate to his teammates was vital to the team's success during his career. 

Elliot McLeod (Weymouth, Mass.), Wide Receiver. A hardworking teammate who also battled through some limiting injuries during his career. A smart player who often was ready to play multiple positions if called upon. 

There were a couple of players who finished their Maroon & Gold tenures today but chose to walk with their recruiting class during last year's senior day game. Any recounting of those completing their playing careers would be incomplete without mentioning these student-athletes as well.

Juan Camilo (West Yarmouth, Mass.), Corner. Camillo was another player who batted with injuries during most of his career, and in fact missed the majority of this season with an injury.

Andrew White (Walpole, Mass.), Tight End. A multiple year starter, White hauled in 51 career receptions for 477 yards and 2 touchdowns. During his career he bounced back and forth between wide receiver and tight end based upon what the team needed at the time. 

Mitchell Theal (Buffalo, NY), Quarterback. A 2-year starter who transitioned to a student coaching role after a career ending injury. Theal completed 276 out of 472 attempts, a career 58% completion rate, for 3614 career passing yards, and 32 touchdown passes. He finished his career as the school's all-time leader in completion percentage, tied the school record with 5 touchdown passes in a game, 4th in career passing touchdowns, and 5th in career completions. 

Trevor Chase (Eliot, Maine), Wide Receiver. The former NEWMAC Rookie of the Year also won the 2022 NEWMAC Offensive Athlete of the Year. The 3-time team captain has placed his name throughout the football record book. He completes his playing career with 255 receptions, 3241 receiving yards, and 33 receiving touchdowns in only 40 games. He set school records for career receptions, career receiving yards, career receiving touchdowns, receptions in a game (twice), receptions in a season, and is 4th all-time in total touchdowns. When the NEWMAC record books are finally assembled, Chase will own the vast majority of the conference records as well. 

In addition, senior cheerleader Jenna Cassella was also honored today.