Offense makes winless Mariners dangerous

As the 2003 college football season approaches the halfway point, there is still plenty of time to generate some momentum heading into the home stretch.

Maine Maritime Academy of Castine and Colby College in Waterville are among the small-college schools hoping to do just that during Saturday’s action.

The University of Maine and Husson College of Bangor both have byes this week.

Maine Maritime Acad. (0-4) at Bridgewater State (3-1), Bridgewater, Mass., noon

This game could be a high-scoring affair as both teams have put up a lot of points.

Despite its record, MMA has averaged a healthy 31.2 points per contest behind a run-oriented offense led by senior quarterback Pat Bard of Winslow and junior fullback Don Thibodeau of Shawmut.

The Mariners are coming off a 49-28 loss to Nichols. Linebacker Dan Rosen continues to spearhead a defense that has surrendered nearly 44 points per outing.

Bridgewater State counters with a squad that has averaged 42.8 ppg. The Bears feature a potent run game that last week posted three 100-yard rushers in Brendan Kavey, Paul Bryant, and Andy Brems in a 48-45 win over Fitchburg State.

Amherst (2-1) at Colby (2-1), Seaverns Field, Waterville, 1 p.m.

The White Mules look to make it three in a row against the always-tough Lord Jeffs.

Colby, which handled previously unbeaten Wesleyan 31-7 last week, may have its hands full with an Amherst team it hasn’t beaten since 1995.

The Mules are getting just enough offense to win, averaging 209 yards behind halfback Aaron Stepka (91 ypg) and QB B.L. Lippert (30-for-49, 331 yds., 2 TDs). Defensively, Steve Kasperski’s 25 tackles lead the way along with Bangor linebacker James Bradford (19 tackles).

Amherst is led by RB Fletcher Ladd (league-best 124 ypg) and QB Marsh Moseley (44-for-78, 498 yds., 2 TDs).

Today’s other games: Bates (1-2) at Wesleyan (2-1), Hamilton (0-3) at Bowdoin (0-3)