Inexperience hampered Bears Veteran nucleus returns for 2008

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The University of Maine football team will reflect on the 2007 season knowing it could have had a much better record.

Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears wound up 4-7 – 3-5 in their first season of Colonial Athletic Association play – their worst record since 1999.

UMaine’s lack of experience at quarterback, its limited threats at wide receiver and a defense that was shaky at times against the run and susceptible to long pass plays were factors that led to a mediocre fall.

At Villanova, a missed potential game-winning field goal late led to overtime and a tough loss. Against William & Mary, a soft second half opened the door for a Tribe victory.

At Stony Brook, the Bears couldn’t hold a 10-point lead with 101/2 minutes left and wound up losing again in OT.

Those games came amidst a six-game losing streak that demonstrated UMaine was neither talented enough nor experienced enough to win consistently in the unforgiving CAA.

The Bears responded with three straight wins before dropping the season finale.

“A lot of guys on this team just continued to fight and had confidence,” said sophomore quarterback Mike Brusko.

The Bears’ offensive difficulties stemmed from playing untested underclass quarterbacks.

Brusko earned the starting nod early, but demonstrated he did not have the arm to give UMaine the consistent passing presence it needed.

Freshman Adam Farkes took over in the Villanova game. He showed steady improvement and wound up passing for 836 yards and seven touchdowns (four interceptions) in eight games, including six starts.

Farkes injured his shoulder Nov. 3 against Towson game and sat the rest of the season.

The Bears will have much more experience and versatility at QB next season with a more seasoned group of wide receivers in the fold.

That corps was led this fall by sophomore Landis Williams (38 receptions, 481 yds., 6 TDs). Juniors Manzi Pierre and Kenny Fersner had 12 catches each while the rest of the group combined for only 20 catches.

The Bears need better production from the position to be able to throw down the field and score more consistently.

The offense built around a cohesive line and elusive tailback Jhamal Fluellen, who gained All-CAA, third-team honors after running for 1,052 yards and five touchdowns and catching 27 passes for 302 yards and two scores.

The line was paced by senior tackles Shawn Demaray of Livermore Falls, a third-team all-star, and Jacob Folz of West Paris, and senior tight end Matt Mulligan of West Enfield (13 rec., 157 yds., 2 TDs). That group will return a nucleus of All-CAA second-team center Ryan Canary, guards Chris Arnao and Jake Serdy, and tackle Chris Parcells, all of whom will be seniors.

H-back Anthony Controne departs while junior fullback Wellington Talkpa returns.

Frosh Jermaine Henderson spelled Fluellen at tailback, where juniors Teron Allen and Jerron Pearson missed most of the season with injuries.

In CAA play, UMaine ranked 10th in total offense (316 yards per game), including fourth in rushing (179 ypg) and 11th in passing (136 ypg). The Bears’ 17.8 points per contest also ranked 11th in the conference.

The defense responded well in 2007, considering the depth of its graduation losses, and will boast a wealth of experience next year. Key losses include the senior captains, linebacker John Wormuth, third-team tackle Bruno Dorismond and end Pat McCrossan.

Wormuth was the top tackler (87), despite missing the final two games for personal reasons. Dorismond (37 tackles) and McCrossan (33 tackles, five sacks) were productive, as was junior Jonathan Pirruccello of Turner (40).

With the losses of backup senior tackles Reggie Paramoure and Brian Grier, and senior end Josh Caldwell of Brewer, the Bears have some holes to fill in the front four.

UMaine was third in CAA total defense (330.5 ypg) and fourth in scoring defense (23.4 ppg).

Junior end Jovan Belcher adapted to his new position. The All-CAA first-teamer was second on the team with 85 tackles, including 17 tackles for a loss, 10 of those QB sacks.

Downey, a junior who earned All-CAA second-team honors after posting 78 tackles, helped anchor a hard-hitting linebacker group that included sophs Jordan Stevens of Temple (69 tackles) and Mark Masterson (31).

Sophomore strong safety Brandon McLaughlin (64 tackles) was a first-year starter, while junior free safety Jonathan Calderon (38 tackles, 2 interceptions) was solid.

Junior Lamir Whetstone (50 tackles) and freshman Derrick Harris (37) were among the mainstays at cornerback, where junior Lionel Nixon Jr. (25) and sophomores Steven Barker (24) and Dominic Cusano (17) also contributed.

Special teams had some highs and lows. Senior place-kciker Bobby Donnelly of Westbrook finished strong, going 9-for-11 on field goals and 17-for-17 on PATs.

Soph kicker Devin McNeill of Portland, who lost the job early in the season, should be ready to step in next season.

Junior punter Kash Kiefer averaged 38.1 yards, placing 21 punts inside the opponents’ 20.

Freshman Antonio Walcott was a threat on kick returns, averaging 21.1 yards on kickoffs and 7.5 yards on punts.

If the Bears can shore up their offensive and defensive lines and be more productive throwing the ball and slowing the run, they should have a chance to contend for the CAA North title next season.