Defense dominates scrimmage Bears to continue using spread offense

ORONO – Last spring, the University of Maine renamed its spring intrasquad football game in memory of former defensive coach Jeff Cole.

It was fitting, then, that Saturday morning’s Jeff Cole Scrimmage was dominated by the Black Bears defense.

UMaine’s veteran defensive line, spearheaded by ends Matt King and Patrick McCrossan and tackles Mike DeVito and Bruno Dorismond, did a good job containing the offense as the Bears closed out spring workouts with a 62-play scrimmage at Alfond Stadium.

“We’ve got a veteran defense and a fast defense that flies around,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “I think their experience is what you notice, and our inexperience on offense.”

The Bears’ defensive dominance was to be expected, especially since offensive coordinator Bobby Wilder is engineering a significant makeover on that side of the football.

Defensive standouts included King, who recovered a fumble and made an interception, along with McCrossan (tackle for a safety), DeVito and linebacker John Wormuth.

“We’ve got some young guys on the offensive line and we’ve got some veteran guys on the D-line,” said McCrossan, who was named the team’s most improved defensive player for the spring season.

“Any time you have such an age discrepancy you’re going to beat up on them a little bit, but everyone will be great during the fall,” he added.

UMaine has committed to a “spread” offense. The Bears began using the scheme midway through last season after struggling offensively in back-to-back losses to James Madison and Hofstra.

“It’s an identification that we’ve taken on and moved forward with,” said Cosgrove, who previously implemented a more traditional I-based attack.

Senior quarterback Ron Whitcomb, now comfortably lined up in the “shotgun” formation, should be better able to analyze opposing defenses and exploit their weaknesses. The scheme should reduce the pressure on an offensive line that will feature a junior and four sophomores.

UMaine was shorthanded on offense as three players competing for time at the primary running back spot were out with injuries. They are sophomores Teron Allen (hamstring) and Jerron Pearson (shoulder), and redshirt freshman Julian Glenn (chest).

“When we have all our bullets in our gun, this offense can be real explosive and take pressure off the O-line, which I think everybody saw last year started taking a beating in the old offense,” said Whitcomb, who has dropped 20 pounds to 205 to enhance his quickness and ability to run the football.

Whitcomb completed 12 of 17 passes for 77 yards, including a 12-yard scoring toss to sophomore wideout Kenny Fersner. He also was intercepted once.

Perhaps the most notable offensive performer was sophomore wide receiver Manzi Pierre, the team’s most improved offensive player. The former walk-on made five catches for 63 yards, including a 32-scoring reception on a perfectly thrown fade ball by redshirt freshman QB Michael Brusko.

“I have to work out in the summer – get faster, stronger, more physical – and then I’ll have a breakout season, hopefully,” Pierre said.

While teammates weren’t allowed to hit or tackle Whitcomb, Brusko earned some respect with his efforts. He had 12 rushes for 44 yards, including a 2-yard scoring dive. Brusko completed three of 10 passes for 79 yards and a TD.

“I like our attitude, the makeup of our guys and how hard they’re working,” Cosgrove said. “The progress that we’ve made this spring I think has been significant.”