ORONO – It has been an outstanding season thus far for the University of Maine football team.

Coach Jack Cosgrove’s 18th-ranked Black Bears prepare for their final regular-season game at New Hampshire (Saturday, noon) having entered territory not visited by a UMaine team since 1989.

UMaine, which boasts a 7-2 overall record and a 6-2 Atlantic 10 mark, remains in the hunt for a share of the conference championship and appears to be one win away from earning its first postseason berth in 12 years.

The Bears, who by virtue of Saturday’s 37-7 victory over Massachusetts became only the second UMaine team since 1965 to go undefeated at home, also have tied a school record with the six league wins.

UMaine has won seven games for the first time since 1996 and for only the 12th time in the 111-year history of the program. The Bears also have been ranked in the Top 25 each of the last five weeks.

What does this all mean? To the seniors, virtually nothing, unless UMaine can beat New Hampshire Saturday.

“It feels real good,” said senior linebacker Malik Nichols. “[The games] get bigger and bigger every week when you put yourself in this position, so this is great and let’s hope we can keep doing it.”

With the exception of an increased sense of excitement, the Bears’ approach to the UNH game will be the same focused, purposeful preparation that has been the key to their success all season.

“We’ve got a game next weekend that we’ve got to stay focused on and win,” said senior tight end Chad Hayes of Old Town.

“I really don’t want to change our method of operation here,” Cosgrove said when asked about UMaine’s playoff prospects.

“We have great respect for the University of New Hampshire,” he said. “That’s what we’re going to stay focused on. What happens after that, it can only be good if we get the win.”

Black Bear teams have lost five straight games at Durham, N.H., last winning (you guessed it) in 1989. The Wildcats are 4-6, including a 2-6 A-10 record, but rank second in the conference in total offense (456 yards per game) and third in scoring offense (30.5 ppg).

This UMaine team always seems to be able to maintain a sense of perspective.

“It’s been a long time since Maine’s been on top like this,” said senior cornerback and kick returner Lennard Byrd. “It feels good. I just hope it continues [this week].”

Tatupu rising star for UMaine

Freshman inside linebacker Lofa Tatupu continues to prove himself one of the rising young stars on the UMaine football team this season.

The 5-foot-11, 214-pounder from Plainville, Mass., is coming off a superb performance in Saturday’s win over Massachusetts. Tatupu led the Bears with nine tackles, including seven unassisted hits and four for a loss of yardage.

He also intercepted two passes and deflected two others on his way to Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week honors.

“He’s become more of a big playmaker for us on defense with his increased play,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove.

Tatupu, who had put up impressive numbers as a backup to junior Rob Kierstead of South Portland, was inserted into the starting lineup three weeks ago and has not disappointed.

“He can cover ground a little bit better against passing teams and that’s what has earned him these opportunities,” Cosgrove said. “He’s a very talented player; great football sense; skills.”

Tatupu is the son of former New England Patriots All-Pro special teams performer and fullback Mosi Tatupu. In spite of his football genes, the younger Tatupu wasn’t heavily recruited.

“He’ll be the first to tell you we’re the only ones that recruited him and that’s amazing to me because he’s such a talent and has got a great future in front of him,” Cosgrove explained.

Tatupu ranks second on the team behind Stephen Cooper with 52 tackles (12 for a loss). He has 2.5 quarterback sacks to his credit.

Brady, Johnstone honored

The University of Maine’s Morgan Brady and Jen Johnstone have been named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Northeast Region All-America team.

Brady, a senior back from New Milford, Conn., set a school record with 15 assists. She also scored two goals and was second on the team with 19 points.

Johnstone, a junior midfielder from Dallas, Pa., led the team with 27 points on 11 goals and five assists.

Thibodeau NEFC’s top rookie

Don Thibodeau emerged as the workhorse back for Maine Maritime Academy as a freshman. On Tuesday, he was honored for his efforts, as he was named the New England Football Conference offensive rookie of the year.

The Shawmut native who played high school ball at Lawrence High in Fairfield was the only MMA player among those given all-conference nods and MVP awards by the NEFC.