Braves hit road seeking first win Mariners vie for Admiral’s Cup

Teams that really want to play football will go almost any distance to compete.

Husson College of Bangor makes an 1,100-mile trek to Ohio for its third game of the season.

The University of Maine was willing to do just about anything to get in its game against William & Mary. Instead, the Black Bears were awarded a victory and the Tribe a “no contest” after William & Mary canceled Saturday’s game because of damage and complications from Hurricane Isabel.

Husson (0-2) at Bluffton (1-1), Salzman Stadium, Bluffton, Ohio, 1:30 p.m.

The Braves, who came up short against Mt. Ida in their home opener, head for the Midwest to face the Beavers.

Husson showed promise last week, racking up 425 yards of offense, but surrendered 461. Quarterback Lee St. Hilaire of Winthrop has passed for 487 yards and three TDs on 52 percent accuracy this season.

His top targets are Ryan Lockard of Waterville (8 receptions, 177 yds., 1 TD) and Colby Horne of Belfast (5 rec., 106 yds.) The Braves also feature a good run game led by Justin Spencer of Orrington (70.5 ypg, 7.8 ypc).

Bluffton is coming off a 35-7 home loss to Thiel College. The Beavers, who were 3-7 last season, feature QB Jared Owens (153 ypg passing, .585 completion pct.). The top run threat is Ben Dodds (85.5 ypg).

Husson needs to tighten up a defense that has allowed 77 points and 1,033 total yards in two games.

Maine Maritime (0-2) at Mass. Maritime (0-2), Ellis Field, Buzzards Bay, Mass., 1 p.m.

The Mariners take on the Buccaneers in the annual battle for the Admiral’s Cup.

Maine Maritime has shown plenty of offensive punch, 38.5 points and nearly 400 yards per game. Quarterback Pat Bard of Winslow has completed 50 percent of his passes for 309 yards while scoring seven rushing touchdowns.

Fullback Don Thibodeau of Shawmut is averaging 114 rushing yards per outing while Cody Schmidt has caught seven passes for 148 yards. However, the Mariners have committed nine turnovers already.

Defensively, linebacker Dan Rosen has led the charge but Maine Maritime has been lit up for 99 points and 1,011 yards in its first two games.

Colby (0-1) at Middlebury (1-0), Middlebury, Vt., 1 p.m.

The White Mules will try to put one in the win column against their perennial rivals, the Panthers.

Colby was unable to generate much offense (6 points, 154 total yards) last week in a 30-6 loss to Trinity. The Mules look to get All-America tailback Aaron Stepka some running room while keeping Middlebury honest with the passing of B.L. Lippert.