Bears need win to keep slim playoff hopes alive Eagles, Mariners in same boat in their final week

There is a simple truth going into today’s key football games involving Maine colleges.

The University of Maine, Maine Maritime Academy of Castine and Husson University of Bangor all need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Maine (6-3) at Massachusetts (6-3), noon, McGuirk Stadium, Amherst, Mass.: The Black Bears can take a big stride toward their first playoff bid in six years with a win against the defending Colonial Athletic Association champs.

Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Bears have been surging of late and must forget about the lopsided nature of this longtime rivalry and a couple of tough losses in recent trips to Amherst.

“Football takes place on a year-to-year basis and this year we have a wonderful opportunity to play a great program at their place and go in and get a win,” Cosgrove said. “We know how good they are, but we think we’ve improved. We know what we have to do to win the game.”

What UMaine has to do is contain a UMass offense directed by senior quarterback Liam Coen, who has passed for 2,259 yards and 19 touchdowns with only six interceptions, helping the Minutemen average a league-best 269 yards per game through the air.

“I don’t know if there’s a better quarterback in the country,” Cosgrove said. “He throws the ball to the guy that’s open. He doesn’t get sacked. He gets them in the right play and allows them to function at a high level.”

UMaine, sparked by end Jovan Belcher (76 tackles, 6 sacks) and linebackers Andrew Downey (69 tackles) and Sean Wasson (64 tackles), hopes to get pressure on Coen. He has been sacked a league-low six times.

UMass has two dangerous receivers in Victor Cruz (56 receptions, 923 yds., 6 TDs) and Jeremy Horne (39-719-7), who rank Nos. 1 and 2 in the CAA in receiving yards per game. Tailback Tony Nelson (97 ypg, 9 TDs) is the CAA’s No. 3 rusher.

Cornerbacks Lionel Nixon Jr. and Norman Smith will be responsible for trying to contain that talented pair.

“They’re big, they run, they catch and [Coen] knows where they are and gets them the ball,” added Cosgrove.

The Bears will need another efficient offensive performance, one spearheaded by its multifaceted ground game. Quarterback Mike Brusko, fullback Jared Turcotte and tailback Derek Session are the primary ballcarriers.

The Minutemen, who have allowed 168 ypg via the run, are led by linebackers Josh Jennings (80 tackles, 3 INTs) and George Byrd (60 tackles).

UMaine also must pick its spots to throw, with Brusko (35-for-49, 508 yds., 6 TDs, 0 INTs) looking for wideouts Landis Williams (17 rec., 228 yds., 5 TDs), Jhamal Fluellen (13-103-1) and Tyrell Jones (19-298-3).

“There’s a new buzz around the locker room,” Nixon said of chasing a playoff spot. “This is a whole new level.”

Bear tracks: Sophomore quarterback Adam Farkes (left shoulder) remains on the shelf after seeing his personal physician this week. His return this season is questionable … UMaine is again re-evaluating its place-kicking situation. Freshman Jordan Waxman had gained the job last week from classmate Brian Harvey, who missed three field goals in the Oct. 25 win over Northeastern.

Husson Eagles (6-2) at Becker Hawks (2-6), noon, Alumni Field, Leicester, Mass.: Coming off a bye week, the Eagles should be well-rested as they try to close out the regular season with their fifth consecutive victory and their seventh in the last eight contests.

Coach Gabby Price’s squad should be in the hunt for one of nine at-large berths for the 32-team NCAA Division III tournament if it can beat Becker for the fourth straight year.

The Eagles continue to feature a productive rushing attack and a stout defense. Tailbacks Julius Williams (118 ypg) and Justin Lindie of Winslow (83 ypg) head up the run game, while QB James McCandless has passed for 118 ypg while throwing for 7 TDs.

Husson’s defense, which has held opponents to 20 points and 300 yards per outing, gets its inspiration from the likes of Keith Runne (49 tackles, 2 INTs), linebacker Bobby Gilbert of Beaver Cove (46 tackles, 13 for a loss) and LB Earl Wilson (45 tackles).

Fitchburg State Falcons (4-5) at Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (6-3), noon, Ritchie Field, Castine: This is the biggest game in a while for MMA, which can lock up the New England Football Conference Bogan Division title with a victory. If the Mariners (5-1 Bogan) win, they advance to the league championship game against Plymouth State.

MMA last won a division crown in 1998.

Coach Chris McKenney’s team continues to win behind a high-powered (366 ypg), high-scoring (37.4 ppg) option offense. The balanced Mariners rely on fullback Jim Bower of South Paris (158 ypg, 21 TDs) and QB Tyler Angell (77 ypg, 8 TDs) to set the tone.

MMA’s defensive stalwarts include linebacker Wade Mondoux, who has piled up 98 tackles with three INTs and two forced fumbles, and Travis Fergola (72 tackles) of Mexico.

Today’s other games: Bowdoin (3-4) at Colby (3-4), 12:30 p.m.; Hamilton (2-5) at Bates (1-6), noon.

pwarner@bangordailynews.net

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