Bears seeking another strong defensive effort William Penn at UMaine; Husson at Utica

Maine’s college football season begins gaining momentum this week.

The University of Maine plays its home opener Saturday, while Husson College of Bangor and Maine Maritime Academy of Castine open their respective seasons on the road.

William Penn (0-1) at Maine (0-1), 6 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono: The Black Bears are at the opposite end of the spectrum this week, going from playing at Division I-A Nebraska to hosting the NAIA’s Statesmen. UMaine goes from huge underdog to prohibitive favorite.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a difficult trip for them, but they anted up and said yeah, we’ll come and play you,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “We don’t know a lot about each other… but we know they’re football players and coaches we respect.”

The Bears scheduled William Penn, from Oskaloosa, Iowa, after Division I-AA Morgan State backed out on its commitment to play in Orono.

UMaine hopes to build on a sound defensive effort against the Cornhuskers while getting its offense in gear.

The Bears, led by senior linebacker Jermaine Walker, senior safety Jarrod Gomes and junior tackle Mike DeVito, face a versatile William Penn offense. In a 31-29 loss to Wisconsin-Oshkosh last week, the Statesmen piled up 421 yards of offense and 23 first downs.

James Jackson heads the run attack (25 carries, 141 yards, 2 TDs), while QB Kentrell Jones (13-for-35, 190 yds., 2 TDs) directs the offense. The Statesmen’s receiving corps features Travis Johnson (4 receptions, 36 yds., 2 TDs).

“They run their tailback, but the kid’s going to throw the football,” Cosgrove said. “They get into a lot of multiple sets.”

The UMaine offense, which struggled against Nebraska, anticipates having much more success this week. Senior tailback Montell Owens looks to spearhead the run game while senior QB Ron Whitcomb (15-for-32, 149 yds, 1 TD) battled through an 11-sack outing against the Cornhuskers.

He has a bevvy of capable receivers including senior wideout Kevin McMahan, who caught seven passes for 93 yards and a score last week.

The Statesmen have a veteran secondary and run a 4-3 defense that features linebacker Clint Peery (12 tackles) and safety Dustin Hodor (10).

BEAR TRACKS: UMaine has several players who have changed their jersey numbers this season. They are: FB Dzigbodi Ababio (No. 11), WR Arel Gordon (2), DT Brian Greer (99), TE Craig Parcells (86), OG Nabil Salim (74), CB Daren Stone (4), QB Ron Whitcomb (12) and TB Keien Williams (21)… the Bears have made a change at right cornerback, where junior Manauris Arias has earned the starting nod. He is backed up by freshman Lamir Whetstone.

Husson (0-0) at Utica (1-0), 1:30 p.m., Utica, N.Y.: Coach Gabby Price leads the Eagles into the program’s third season with renewed optimism. Husson, an NCAA Division III independent, faces a Utica squad that won last year’s meeting in Bangor, 46-24.

A veteran Husson team expects to be improved in all facets of the game, bolstered by numerous out-of-state recruits.

Utica, a member of the Empire 8 Conference, beat Becker 28-8 in its opener last week. The Pioneers piled up 558 yards, including 271 via the run. Four players gained at least 60 yards.

The Eagles tuned up for this contest with a 14-13 loss to Bridgewater State of the New England Football Conference.

Maine Maritime Academy (0-0) at Mount Ida (0-1), Newton Center, Mass.: The Mariners set sail on the 2005 season with a visit to Greater Boston against the Mustangs.

MMA is counting on its veteran defense, paced by NEFC Rookie of the Year Chris Tracy of Westbrook, to be much stingier than last season. The Mariners dropped a 25-23 decision at home last season.

The Mustangs debuted last week with a tough 42-39 setback at Norwich. Mount Ida’s Antwan Harris rushed for 155 yards and a TD.