NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Cadets were unable to overcome Springfield College, who entered the game as the top ranked team in the conference. For the entire first half, the game was a close affair, but an explosive second half allowed the visitors to secure the win. 

The Norwich defense only surrender a opening drive field goal in the first quarter. Red zone defense has been the calling card for the Cadets this season, and in both of the first two Springfield possessions of the game, the Cadets defense tightened up significantly once the ball crossed into the red zone. The opening possession resulted in a 39-yard field while the second possession ended after a missed 44-yard field goal. At the end of the first quarter, the score was only 3-0 in favor of the visitors. 

Early in the second quarter, Springfield scored their first touchdown of the day. With the defense anticipating an inside run play on a 3rd and 2, Springfield was able to get a running play to the edge of the defense to score on a 42-yard touchdown run. On the next possession, Springfield again found the end zone after a 7 play 84-yard drive when Arsen Shtefan, who is the leading rusher in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), burst through for a 55-yard touchdown run. Maddox Reed (Spring Hill, TN) blocked the point after touchdown attempt to keep the score 16-0. 

Unfortunately, Springfield College was able to exert control of the game with an explosive second half. The offensive highlight of the half was a 75-yard pass and run from Ryan O'Keefe (Scarborough, Maine) to Will Thornton (Cape Elizabeth, Maine). The 75-yard touchdown was the second longest play of the season.

The defensive effort was led by double digit tacklers Ethan Amburn (Suffield, Conn.). who had 12 total tackles, and Marcello Misuraca (Wilmington, Mass.) who finished with 11 tackles. Jeremy Henault (Goffstown, NH) and Declan Kapusta (Walhalla, SC) each recovered fumbles in the game. 

The Cadets will look to close out the season on a high note when they play Salve Regina next Saturday on Senior Day. In addition to celebrating this year's senior class, there will be a halftime Veterans Day Ceremony as well as joint ROTC contracting ceremony.