UMaine seeks well-rounded effort Black Bears host 24th-ranked Richmond; Maine Maritime aims for first win

A team’s record isn’t always a clear indication of its potential.

A case in point, the 0-3 mark Richmond takes into this week’s Atlantic 10 football game against Maine.

Black Bears coach Jack Cosgrove knows his team can’t take any comfort in the Spiders’ woes as they could just as easily be 3-0.

Richmond (0-3) at Maine (2-1), 7 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono

UMaine faces a critical midseason game against a familiar and potent foe, 24th-ranked Richmond. The Spiders have lost three games by a combined eight points, two of them to Division I-A opponents Virginia and Vanderbilt.

“This will be a very telling game for our team in terms of being able to stand up with a team I think is the best team in our league,” Cosgrove said.

The Bears have alternated between playing good defense and good offense, but must bring it all together today.

“It’s going to take a complete effort,” Cosgrove said. “We need 60 minutes of football in all three phases at a real high level of performance.”

UMaine is coming off a defense-dominated win over James Madison. The Bears must contend with a UR option attack led by quarterback Sean Gustus (45.7 yards per game), tailback J.R. Purnell (33 ypg), and a large supporting cast.

The Spiders, coached by UMaine alum Jim Reid, rank third in the Atlantic 10 in rushing at 234 ypg.

UMaine, which leads the league in total defense, giving up 269 yards per game, looks to linebacker Stephen Cooper (29 tackles), corner Jarrod Gomes (17), and end Marcus Walton (15 tackles, 3.5 sacks) to help contain Richmond.

“They will hurt you with some big pass plays, because they get you thinking they’re running it every down and they catch you off-guard,” Cosgrove said.

The Bears, directed by QB Jake Eaton (51-for-86, 583 yards, 5 TDs), will try to balance its attack with tailback Royston English (82.3 ypg) while throwing to wideouts Stefan Gomes (18 catches, 187 yds., 3 TDs) and Paris Minor (16 rec., 201 yds.).

Richmond’s capable defense ranks second against the run (92 ypg), but has been susceptible to the pass, allowing 362 ypg. The mainstays are cornerback Maurice Newbill (24 tackles) and safety Chad Blackstock (22).

Westfield State (4-0) at Maine Maritime Academy (0-4), 1 p.m., Ritchie Field, Castine

The Mariners, who have had trouble scoring, run into the top defense in the New England Football Conference.

Westfield has allowed only 156 yards and 12 points per outing, led by Aaron Ragland and Mike Hurteau.

MMA’s Don Thibodeau ranks fifth among league rushers with 89 yards per game. The Mariners, who committed seven turnovers last week at Bridgewater, were without starting QB Pat Bard of Winslow last week due to injury. Colby (1-1) at Wesleyan (1-1), 1:30 p.m., Middletown, Conn.

The White Mules rebounded from an opening loss to Williams by beating Middlebury last week.

Colby rediscovered its run attack, piling up 262 yards on the ground behind Don Williams of Rockland (61 ypg) and Aaron Stepka. QB Pat Conley (37-for-88, 432 yds.) and Danny Noyes (14 rec., 177 yds.) lead the pass game.

Saturday’s other games: 0-2 Bates at 2-0 Williams, 0-2 Bowdoin at 2-0 Tufts.