Bears refocus, aim to end loss streak> Mariners seeking 3rd straight victory

With dreams of an Atlantic 10 championship dashed and hopes for a postseason berth dwindling after two straight losses, the University of Maine football team hopes to refocus today when it plays James Madison in the first of three straight road contests.

Meanwhile, a rebounding Maine Maritime Academy team goes after its third consecutive victory in Saturday’s college football action involving Maine schools.

Maine (4-3) at James Madison (1-6), 1:30 p.m., Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, Va.

Maine, its confidence shaken, will try to beat James Madison for the first time in four meetings.

“Now that you’re 4-3 and some of those goals aren’t as attainable, you really have to go back to making darned sure, week by week, you’re prepared to play the game,” said Maine coach Jack Cosgrove.

The Bears must re-establish their offensive flow, especially the recently flat pass game.

The Dukes don’t have much to show for their efforts this season. Four of their losses were against ranked teams. James Madison has struggled offensively and starting tailback Curtis Keaton is injured.

JMU features slippery runner and kick returner Delvin Joyce, along with QB Greg Maddox and fleet wideout Earnest Payton, but the Dukes rank last in the league, scoring only 19.0 points per game.

JMU faces a Maine unit that ranks third in A-10 total defense (353 ypg) and scoring defense (20.3 ppg) and is the top-rated pass defense (178) ypg.

Maine expects to have starting linemen Justin Doppler and Paul Paradis back after both missed the Richmond game with injuries. Quarterback Mickey Fein looks to break out of his slump after completing only 41 percent of his passes for 338 yards the last two weeks.

The Dukes counter defensively with standout safety Tony Booth and strong safety Mike Masella.

Fitchburg State (3-3) at Maine Maritime Academy (2-4), noon, Ritchie Field, Castine.

Two of the top three rushers in the New England Football Conference, both of whom were All-ECAC first-team picks last season, clash in this contest between the rejuvenated Mariners and the Falcons.

MMA, which has won two in a row, features elusive junior tailback Steve Tardif, who has rushed for a league-best 1,027 yards. Fitchburg counters with junior D’Andra Freeman, the No. 3 ballcarrier with 704 yds.

Tardif is poised to eclipse 5,000 career all-purpose yards in the game, as he needs only nine. His 171.2-yard average this season ranks fourth in NCAA Division III.

MMA continues to work on improving its passing game behind converted end Chris Pelletier (30-for-66, 328 yards, 3 TDs). Defensive leaders include Keith Beaulieu (35 tackles) and Clarence Young (30 tackles, 6 sacks).

Hamilton (0-4) at Colby (1-3), 1 p.m., Seaverns Field, Waterville.

The White Mules look to get their offense on track after another stellar defensive performance in last week’s 7-3 loss to Amherst.