ORONO – For the first time since 2003, the University of Maine football team is looking for a new starting quarterback.

Mike Brusko and Adam Farkes had their first major audition for the job Saturday morning during the Jeff Cole Scrimmage at Alfond Stadium.

The Black Bears’ defense made things difficult for the two quarterbacks, who combined to complete only 15 of 37 passes with no touchdowns and an interception. Receivers also dropped several balls.

“It’s a pretty darned good defense, a pretty experienced defense,” coach Jack Cosgrove said of the unit, which kept the offense out of the end zone.

The defense is led by recently elected senior tri-captains John Wormuth, Bruno Dorismond, and Pat McCrossan.

Brusko, who will be a sophomore in the fall, may have a slight edge in the QB battle heading into preseason camp. The 6-foot-2, 216-pounder, who redshirted in 2005, appeared in 11 games last season.

On Saturday, he completed 9 of 20 throws for 94 yards.

“We didn’t play particularly well today,” said Brusko, who was nonetheless confident about the offense and his ability to direct it.

“I feel real comfortable with the offense. Mentally, I think I’m doing a good job making reads as a quarterback and making decisions,” he said.

Farkes, a freshman who sat out last fall as a redshirt, is known for his strong arm. He continues to learn Maine’s system and demonstrate progress.

Farkes (6-2, 184 pounds) went 6-for-17 for 74 yards and was intercepted once. Andrew Downey’s 7-yard return provided the only live-action points of Saturday’s session.

“I think we started a little slow,” said Farkes, whose first eight throws were incomplete. “It’s the first time we get out here and it takes a little while, but I think as the day went on everyone got more comfortable and finally started clicking toward the end.”

With assistant coach Kevin Bourgoin directing the offense, both quarterbacks evenly divided the plays and rotated between the first and second units.

“We made sure this spring that it was 50-50 because it has been, for the most part, a wide-open situation,” Cosgrove said.

“We’ve just got to get them a ton of reps in the preseason in August and put them in situations that they grow from,” he added.

There is more a sense of camaraderie between Farkes and Brusko rather than competition.

“Both of us are very close friends,” Farkes said. “We’re always watching film, meeting together, working with receivers. We’re competing for a job, but at the same time we’re trying to get this team to the right place so we can win some games.”

And while only one will be anointed the starter, their goals go far beyond their personal desires.

“We’ve both done a good job maintaining a friendship and a working relationship and helping each other out,” Brusko said. “That’s important not only for the two of us but for the rest of the team, the coaching staff, for everyone, to feel comfortable.”

Cosgrove isn’t concerned about ultimately having to make the decision on a starter, a choice that won’t be made until training camp.

“I don’t think decisions of that nature are difficult,” he said. “The cream always kind of rises to the top over time.”

Among the eight players who caught passes, freshman Tyrell Jones (3 receptions, 24 yards) and tailback Jhamal Fluellen (3-23) led the way.

Defensive standouts included Downey, who also had a fumble recovery, along with end Jovan Belcher (two tackles for a loss) and cornerback Lamir Whetstone (two pass breakups and a forced fumble).

The Bears’ place-kickers were effective as Bobby Donnelly of Westbrook was 3-for-3 on field goals of 32, 32, and 31 yards while Devin McNeill of Portland hit two of three, converting from 36 and 31 yards.

With the offense struggling, punter Kash Kiefer got plenty of work. He averaged 33.9 yards on nine kicks.

UMaine also recognized its most improved players for the spring season. They are lineman Chris Parcells (offense), cornerback Steven Barker (defense), and linebacker Sean Wasson (special teams).