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Today is a day many players dread – the final day of the football season.
Still, it promises to be an exciting day for players at Maine Maritime Academy and the University of Maine, in spite of their respective situations.
The Mariners make their first postseason appearance since 1994 in the ECAC playoffs, while the Black Bears try to knock off traditional rival New Hampshire in their 2005 finale.
Maine (5-5) at New Hampshire (9-1), noon, Cowell Stadium, Durham, N.H.: While the Wildcats are fighting to retain their No. 1 ranking and bidding to win the Atlantic 10 title and host an NCAA playoff game, the Bears have plenty of motivation in this contest.
The series, which began in 1903, is tied 43-43-8. Also up for grabs is the Brice-Cowell Musket, which is retained for the next year by the winner.
“There’s just so much to it that it’s probably not a game that you worry about having your guys ready to play,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove, whose team has won three straight.
“Now we’re going to find out how much progress we’ve made because we’re really going against the best in the country as far as I-AA football.”
UNH has one of the most prolific offenses in the country. Led by sophomore quarterback Ricky Santos, the top-rated passer in the A-10, the Wildcats have piled up a league-high 40.7 points and 462 yards per game.
Santos has completed 72 percent of his throws for 2,846 yards and 29 TDs. His top receiver is elusive wideout David Ball (60 receptions, 1,114 yds., 15 TDs). UNH also has a solid runner in John McCoy (65 ypg).
“The fewest points they’ve scored at home is 45,” Cosgrove said. “Their quarterback is exceptional; Ball’s in a class by himself.”
The Bears counter with a defense that ranks third in the league having allowed 302.6 ypg. UMaine is second in pass defense (163 ypg) and pass efficiency defense (106.23).
Linebackers Jermaine Walker (105 tackles) and John Wormuth (68), along with safety Jarrod Gomes (58), are the Bears’ defensive leaders.
The UMaine offense must play its best game of the season, controlling the ball while capitalizing on scoring chances. Tailback Montell Owens (700 yds., 7 TDs) has come on strong of late, while QB Ron Whitcomb (1,856 yds., 11 TDs) has good chemistry with wideouts Arel Gordon (56 rec., 399 yds.) and Kevin McMahan (54 rec., 814 yds., 9 TDs).
UNH gives up some yards but has limited opponents to 19.7 ppg. The Wildcats, who look to safety Jeff Pammer (99 tackles) and cornerback Corey Graham (71) to set the tone, lead the nation with a plus-19 turnover ratio.
Maine Maritime (7-2) at Alfred (8-1), noon, Merrill Field, Alfred, N.Y.: The Mariners make their triumphant return to postseason play in the ECAC Division III North Atlantic Championship Bowl after a strong season in the New England Football Conference.
The Mariners’ last foray into the playoffs was a 1994 loss to Cortland State in the ECAC Division III Northeast championship. This time, they’ve trekked 111/2 hours to New York for a clash against the Saxons.
“This is a bonus. We accomplished some of our goals that we wanted and to be selected for the ECACs. We’re excited to play,” said MMA coach Chris McKenney.
Alfred finished second in the Empire 8 conference this fall and is coming off a momentous 13-7 victory over 12th-ranked St. John Fisher.
The Mariners look to establish a run-dominated offense that ranks 10th in Division III with 276 rushing yards per game. Senior fullback Don Thibodeau of Shawmut, the NEFC Offensive Player of the Year, is the primary weapon. He ranks second in the country after rushing for 170 ypg.
MMA goes up against a big Alfred squad that has allowed only 15.1 points and 260 yards per outing. The Saxons are led by linebacker Brenton Brady (76 tackles), the two-time league defensive player of the year.
The Mariners defense will be challenged by an Alfred squad that has averaged a healthy 370 ypg, including 197 ypg through the air. QB Paul Keeley has passed for 1,954 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Elmer Newsome has rushed for 1,085 yards, while Trevor Bork (43 rec., 477 yds.) paces the receiving corps.
“It’s probably the best offensive line that we’ve faced all year,” McKenney said of a bigger Alfred team. “Our defense has to play well and cause turnovers.”
MMA’s defensive mainstays are linebacker Chris Metcalf (82 tackles), safety Nate Bolduc (70), and cornerback Brandon Hamilton (63).
“It’s a nice reward for them to be playing. There’s not a lot of teams that get the opportunity to do this,” McKenney said.
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