Schedule unveiled, but Bears still seeking game

Even though the Atlantic 10 Football Conference unveiled its 2006 schedule Wednesday, the University of Maine is still working to complete its own schedule.

Interim athletic director Blake James was on the phone Wednesday evening trying to secure one more game for the Black Bears next fall.

“We’re continuing to push to try to finalize our schedule,” James said. “I know there’s a few teams around country that are still in the same position we are.”

UMaine was left scrambling a bit after a school that had verbally agreed to play the Bears instead signed a contract to play another opponent.

UMaine is still trying to schedule another home game.

“They did kind of catch us by surprise,” James said, not revealing the school that backed out. “We’re going to do everything we can to make sure we get that fifth game at home.”

UMaine hopes to fill an open date Sept. 2, the first Saturday of the season, especially since the Bears are then scheduled to play consecutive road contests at Youngstown State and William & Mary before having another open date Sept. 23.

If nothing changes, UMaine won’t play its first home game until Oct. 14 against Villanova.

“I think it’s important for us to have as many home games as possible and, if possible, in September,” James said.

The Bears’ other home games are Oct. 21 vs. Hofstra, Nov. 4 vs. Northeastern, and Nov. 18 against border rival New Hampshire.

As previously announced, UMaine will take on Atlantic Coast Conference member Boston College next season. The game in Chestnut Hill, Mass., is scheduled for Sept. 30.

It marks the third consecutive season UMaine will take on a Division I-A opponent. The Bears beat Mississippi State in 2004 and played at Nebraska last season.