Shaw offers challenges for Maine Stingy Husson hoping to extend win streak

Inside the University of Maine football locker room is a sign that reads: “Respect Everyone. Fear No One.”

That mantra simply states the kind of attitude the Black Bears will take into today’s nonconference game against Division II Shaw University of Raleigh, N.C.

The same can be said for next week’s contest at Division I-A Boston College, but coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears are not looking past the Shaw Bears.

“Both of those games, there’s going to be a team that’s an obvious favorite and an obvious underdog,” Cosgrove said, invoking the aforementioned motto.

“When we look at a I-A game, we’re always feeling like they don’t respect us,” he added. “I’m sure Shaw feels the same way about Maine.”

Shaw (1-2) at Maine (1-1), 2 p.m., Alfond Stadium, Orono: The Bears come into their home opener off a key Atlantic 10 victory at William & Mary, but they aren’t taking anything for granted against Shaw, a school of 2,700 that competes in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

UMaine looks to build off its solid defensive effort and steady offensive performance against the Dukes. Shaw beat conference foe Edward Waters a week ago for its first win.

The Black Bears are averaging only 17 points and 251 total yards behind an offense sparked by two seniors, quarterback Ron Whitcomb (20-for-32, 212 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) and running back Arel Gordon (202 all-purpose ypg).

The Shaw defense, which has allowed 27.3 points but only 230 ypg, is paced by end Chad Green (24 tackles, 7 for negative yardage) along with linebackers Terrence Ford (22 tackles) and Galen Houston (20).

Meanwhile, the UMaine defense has allowed 20.5 points and 299 yards per contest, proving stingy against the run (118 ypg). Safety Jonathan Calderon (16 tackles), LB Jovan Belcher (14), and end Matt King (13) are the top tacklers.

Shaw counters with an offense that has shown good run-pass balance (303 ypg). Keys include QB Jermonty Kimbrough (36-90, 534 yds., 4 TDs, 5 INTs), tight end Calvin Grimes (9 receptions, 136 yds.) and wideout James Pettway (9 rec., 137 yds., TD).

“There are a lot of physically good-looking football players on this team,” Cosgrove said of watching the Bears on film. “Shaw’s a new team for us, so that presents challenges in terms of preparation.”

Hartwick (1-1) at Husson (2-1), noon, Winkin Complex, Bangor: The Eagles look to extend their win streak to three games against the Hawks. Husson held off Norwich to win on the road last week, while Hartwick lost at 15th-ranked Ithaca.

Husson has been outstanding on defense, affording opponents only 15.7 points and 194 total yards per game. Linebacker Ross Salovitch has been a force, averaging 10 tackles per game, while end Shane Rogers also has been productive.

Hartwick has put up big offensive numbers, averaging 423 ypg, including 242.5 through the air. QB Jason Boltus has thrown for 485 yards and two scores. Lindy Crea has netted 143.5 ypg on the ground and has 12 catches for 209 yards.

Husson has been solid on offense behind TB Bryan Ferguson (74.3 ypg) and QB David Chase (331 yds., 4 TDs). The Hawks’ defense is spearheaded by linebacker Joe Flaherty (18 tackles).

Bridgewater State (1-1) at Maine Maritime Acad. (1-1), 1 p.m., Ritchie Field, Castine: The Mariners and the Bears clash in their first New England Football Conference Bogan Division game of the season.

MMA is coming off a tough, two-point loss at Western New England, while Bridgewater got its first victory at Salve Regina.

MMA’s top weapons include QB Brandon Hamilton (80.5 ypg rushing, 101.5 ypg passing) and fullback Brandon Goodrich (63.5 ypg). The Bears look to Zane Fyfe (19 tackles) to set the tone defensively.

The Mariner defense, headed by Rob Leighton (14 tackles) and Nate Bolduc (12), encounters a BSC offense that has averaged 344 ypg behind QB Greg Borsari (334 yds.) and end Chris Joyce (6 rec., 122 yds.).

Today’s other games: Colby (0-0) at Trinity (0-0), Bowdoin (0-0) at Williams (0-0), Bates (0-0) at Amherst (0-0).