ESSEX JUNCTION — Running back Jack ZuWallack hit split end Liam McCue with a five yard option touchdown pass in overtime, giving the CVU Redhawks a 6-3 win over the Essex Hornets on Friday night on the Essex Field.
The teams battled through four quarters to a scoreless tie. The Redhawks had the edge in play, but the Essex defense rose to the occasion, four times shutting down CVU inside the Essex 35 yard line, including twice inside the 10.
Essex struggled on offense but just failed to score after their best drive of the night, when the Redhawks blocked a 30 yard field goal try by Anthony Hope on the first play of the fourth quarter.
The Hornets got the ball first in overtime and Hope drilled a 24 yarder to put the first points of the night on the scoreboard. But facing a third down from the five on their possesion CVU rolled ZuWallack to the right and he hit McCue just inbounds at the right side of the end zone for the win.
With the victory the Redhawks are 2-1 as the head home to host Colchester next Saturday.
Essex slips to 0-3. They will travel to Middlebury next Friday night.