Bears face Villanova in CAA opener Husson hosts Norwich; Maine Maritime takes on Western New England

Two weeks into the season, the University of Maine football team is still looking for much more production out of its quarterback position.

That doesn’t mean a change is necessarily imminent.

Maine (1-1) at Villanova (1-1), 6 p.m., Villanova Stadium, Villanova, Pa.: The Black Bears look to rebound from a thumping at Connecticut as they play their first game as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association.

While coach Jack Cosgrove is constantly evaluating the play of quarterbacks Mike Brusko and Adam Farkes, there is no controversy as yet.

“Michael’s the starting quarterback, we know that,” said Cosgrove. “We split their reps this week.”

Both played at UConn, but neither could get much going against the physically superior Huskies.

UMaine expects to have an easier time running the ball against Villanova with Jhamal Fluellen (74.5 yards per game) and Brusko (57 ypg) leading the charge. Yet the Bears have to establish a consistent pass game, with Fluellen (10 receptions) and wideouts Manzi Pierre (4 rec., 32 yds.) and Landis Williams (3 rec., 35 yds.) the top targets.

“Hopefully we can have some success there [running the ball] and also have some success pass-wise,” Cosgrove said.

The injury-plagued Wildcat defense has given up 410 ypg thus far. It is led by linebacker Darrell Young (20 tackles). Villanova has already lost four defensive starters for the year and at least one other indefinitely.

UMaine faces a challenge trying to contain Villanova sophomore QB Antwon Young, who has passed for 216.5 ypg and four TDs while completing 64 percent of his throws.

‘Nova has a tough run threat in Matt Dicken (57 ypg) and a talented tight end in Matthew Sherry (6 rec., 73 yds.).

“I think their quarterback is the central character,” Cosgrove said. “He can hurt off the scramble and he can hurt you with his arm. He’s a multidimensional guy.”

The Bears’ defense has been sparked by linebacker Andrew Downey (18 tackles), who made a career-high 13 tackles at UConn. End Jovan Belcher (15 tackles) and LB John Wormuth (12) are other keys to a unit that so far has surrendered 26 points and 306.5 yards per outing.

BEAR TRACKS: UMaine has won the last four meetings with VU, including last season’s 20-7 decision in Orono…. The Bears are again expected to be without starting offensive tackle Chris Parcells (ankle), while safety Jonathan Calderon (hand) likely will return…. VU wide receiver Anton Ridley, who broke his right leg in the 2006 meeting, has returned and is starting for the Wildcats.

Norwich (1-1) at Husson (2-0), 1 p.m., Winkin Complex, Bangor: Buoyed by the news they’ll be part of North Atlantic Conference football in 2009, the Eagles look for their fifth consecutive victory dating back to last season.

Husson, a 10-3 winner at Utica last week, faces a future league foe in Norwich. The Eagles won last year’s game 14-13.

The Cadets, coming off a 20-13 loss to St. Lawrence, opened by beating Mount Ida.

Husson’s stingy defense ranks ninth nationally in total defense (148 ypg) and has allowed only 8.0 ppg. Mainstays include end Shane Rogers and linebacker Ross Salovitch.

The Eagles continue to build momentum on offense behind the running duo of Bryan Ferguson (88.5 ypg) and Julius Williams (76.5 ypg). Quarterback Jonah Chappell has thrown for 183.5 yards per contest. Freshman wideout Victor MacKenzie (12 rec., 170 yds.) also continues to impress.

Norwich is averaging only 240.5 ypg on offense, with Darnel Jackson netting 110 ypg via the run. The Cadets have used a quarterback platoon that hasn’t been productive as yet, and they have committed eight turnovers in two games.

Western New England (1-1) at Maine Maritime Academy (1-0), 1 p.m., Ritchie Field, Castine: The Mariners open the New England Football Conference portion of their schedule, returning home to face the Golden Bears.

MMA opened with a 41-28 victory at Becker during which the Mariners piled up 365 rushing yards. Halfback Brandon Goodrich and fullback Jim Bower each hit the 100-yard mark, while QB Chris Kates ran for 79 and passed for 70.

WNE is coming off a 34-21 setback at league foe Westfield State.

MMA’s aim is to control the ball and the clock with its triple-option attack. Wade Mondoux led a defensive effort that allowed minus-8 rushing yards and 288 through the air.

The Golden Bears feature a nice run-pass mix, but aren’t afraid to throw often. Quarterback Justin Walz is averaging 296 ypg.