Defense, pass rush highlight Blue-White fray

ORONO – University of Maine quarterback Jake Eaton was on the run Saturday night – from his own teammates.

The Black Bears’ attacking defense kept the pressure on their talented QB, sacking him five times and limiting him to 4-for-15 passing while making four interceptions during UMaine’s spring Blue-White intra-squad scrimmage on Morse Field at Alfond Stadium.

The game was the last of 15 spring sessions for coach Jack Cosgrove’s UMaine team, which is trying to account for personnel losses to graduation, attrition and injuries in preparation for the 2001 season, which begins Sept. 8 in Orono against Colgate.

The Bears defense, which anticipates fielding nine returning starters in the fall, was led by backup safety Jarrod Gomes and linebacker Rob Kierstead of South Portland, who made six tackles each. Gomes played in place of starting safety Dave Cusano, who was competing at Saturday’s New England Track and Field Championships in Connecticut.

Tackle Dan Joslyn had five tackles, while linebacker Mike Cutshaw posted two sacks. Ends Damon Boinske and Marcus Walton and linebacker Brian Mann had one sack apiece.

Eaton and backup quarterback Jon Meczywor were working with a much less experienced corps of receivers and a retooled offensive line that was without probable starters Pete Richardson of Millinocket and Justin Szwejkowski, both of whom are rehabilitating knee injuries suffered last season.

Ivi Nwosu caught three passes for 64 yards, while Stefan Gomes made two receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. Meczywor, who also handled punting chores this spring, was 3-for-4 for 35 yards and a score.

No clear favorite emerged in the duel among the Bears’ top two tailbacks, senior Royston English and freshman James Henry. English had 19 carries for 51 yards and Henry netted 41 yards and a TD on 17 attempts.

Henry, who redshirted last fall, vaulted up the depth chart this spring with the departure of sophomore Marquisse Silva and freshman Calvin Hunter of Auburn. Silva was the Bears’ No. 2 rusher last season with 372 yards and three touchdowns.

Hunter, apparently dissatisfied with his playing time, left the team and is competing on the track squad. He gained 170 yards and scored two touchdowns last fall.

It is unknown why Silva has left the team.

Backup fullback Patrick Kenney had six carries for 20 yards and a TD in the scrimmage.

The Bears also will be breaking in a new place-kicker next season as backup Sandro Vukosavljevic of Portland is no longer with the team. On the injury front, starting cornerback Lennard Byrd is recovering from a dislocated left elbow and linebacker Matt DiBiase of South Portland has a broken thumb.