ORONO – The University of Maine football team may have the luxury of playing five of its first six games at home this season, but that’s small consolation for the Black Bears.

Coach Jack Cosgrove’s team plays a schedule that features six teams listed among the top 25 in the nation in The Sports Network’s Division I-AA preseason poll.

UMaine opens with a Sept. 4 road game against non-conference opponent Colgate, which received votes in the poll, then takes on No. 12 Hofstra, 15th-ranked Richmond, No. 17 Connecticut, fifth-ranked McNeese State and No. 2 defending national champion Massachusetts on consecutive Saturdays on Morse Field at Alfond Stadium.

Maine also faces William & Mary, the No. 25 preseason pick by The Sports Network’s panel of media, sports information directors and coaches, in an Oct. 30 game at Williamsburg, Va.

Speaking of schedules, the Bears have been busy, going through the usual double sessions in preparation for their opener, which is only 18 days away.

Colby College coach Tom Austin and his staff observed the Bears’ Tuesday afternoon workout on the grass practice field. The White Mules compete in the Division III New England Small College Athletic Conference.

There is a growing list of early UMaine injury casualties. The group most notably depleted is the offensive line, which had four players sidelined.

With the Bears hoping to re-establish the run game as their primary offensive weapon, setbacks are particularly unwelcome.

Sophomore tackles Zach Magliaro (soft tissue infection) and Justin Szwejkowski (knee), junior center Justin Doppler (hamstring), and junior tackle Nat Clark of Bangor (neck) are nursing injuries. Magliaro and Doppler are projected starters.

“The offensive line has really been a concern area,” Cosgrove said. “Those are (four) very important guys.”

Senior Ryan Leighton of West Buxton has moved over to center, where he saw action last season. Junior Chris McLaughlin of Gardiner, who left the team a year ago because of back and arm ailments, has returned and is playing right guard. Freshman Peter Richardson of Millinocket is getting plenty of reps at right tackle.

“We do have a couple of talented young guys who hopefully are going to be talented enough,” Cosgrove said. “[Wtih the injuries], we don’t have a choice.”

Junior defensive tackle Steve Shepard of Brunswick underwent arthroscopic surgery Friday on his shoulder and could return as early as next week, Cosgrove said.

Among the missing are two players who were expected to see lots of playing time. Former Fitzpatrick Trophy winner Nate Sergent of Gardiner, a speedy wide receiver, and freshman guard Keith Trombly of Kennebunk both opted not to return to school.

The Bears will get their first chance at live game action today at 3:45 p.m. when they play their first intrasquad controlled scrimmage on the AstroTurf of Morse Field.

“It’s the first day we kind of strap it up and put the ball on the ground and play football,” Cosgrove said. “I’m hoping that we take care of the ball on offense and execute fundamentals. Defense is going to be a strength of our football team. I expect them to put on a good performance.”

UMaine’s Cruz seen nationwide

Pam Cruz is one of three freshmen who will join the University of Maine women’s basketball team in the fall.

Although you might not have heard much about Cruz, you may have eaten breakfast with her this summer – without even knowing it.

Cruz and her 1998-99 teammates from Butler High School in Huntsville, Ala., were featured prominently on the back of selected boxes of Team Cheerios, a General Mills cereal. The Runnin’ Rebels were named Team Cheerios Team of the Year.

Cruz, a 5-foot-8 guard, is seated on the far right in the front row, wearing the No. 34 Runnin’ Rebels jersey. In keeping with NCAA rules, the players are not identified on the box.

Butler, coached by Linda Holt, owned a 43-game winning streak last season. The team was recognized not only because of its success on the court, but because all players were on the honor roll.