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This season the University of Maine tackle football club has played in a wide variety of weather conditions, ranging from thunder and lightning, rain and wind, to near freezing temperatures. So when the Black Bears took the field Sunday afternoon amidst rainy conditions, they knew what to expect.
In a game where defense was at a premium and offense at a minimum, the Black Bears scored the first and only points of the game on a third quarter touchdown and held on for a 7-0 win over the Central Maine Warriors, capturing the Northeast Independent Football League’s East Division crown.
UMaine, now 5-4, advances to the NIFL Championship Game this Saturday in Manchester, New Hampshire, against West Division Champ, Northeast Knights, 14-8 winners over the Southern Vermont Storm. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m.
In the first half, the rainy weather dictated the play of the game. Limited to mainly running the ball, UMaine had the only real scoring threat of the half, but could not come through with any points. With less than two minutes to go in the half, the Black Bears marched to the goal line. Close to punching one in, the Warriors’ defense came up with a monumental stop, stuffing UMaine inside the one on fourth-and-goal.
“We played a very sloppy first half, but we’re very fortunate that they played just as sloppy,” said player and coach Eric Whitman.
In the third quarter, the Black Bears finally got on the board. After both teams traded turnovers to begin the half, the Black Bears used a punt by Gil Cyr to pin the opposition deep in their own end and a three-and-out by the defense to set up good field position for themselves at mid-field. After long runs by both running back Kevin Williams and fullback Matt Littlefield, UMaine worked their way inside the Central Maine 10-yard line. On second-and-goal, Williams broke two tackles and ran to the corner of the end zone for the touchdown. Following a successful extra point by Cyr, UMaine held a 7-0 advantage.
“That was one of the most sensational runs of the year,” Whitman said of Williams’ touchdown run.
With the 7-0 lead, UMaine withstood one last Central Maine attack late in the fourth quarter. Once again, the defense for UMaine stood out and came up big. After a tackle for a loss by captain Rob Laverdiere, linebacker Dan Sprogis forced and recovered a fumble, sealing the first-ever East Division title for the Black Bears who are in their inaugural season.
“We knew coming in that we needed to establish our running game early and often, as well as play punishing defense,” Williams said. “We did both – limited turnovers and penalties, and played our hearts out – and that is why we won.”
While UMaine advances to the championship, Central Maine finishes up the season 4-5, losing the season series to the Black Bears 2-1.
“It’s a huge win against an eastern rival and a solid football team like the Warriors,” said Williams of the team’s first ever playoff victory.
With the East Division wrapped up, UMaine must now set its sights on the league championship game as they try to avenge regular season losses to the Northeast Knights. The Knights, 8-1, are the favorites to win the game as they lead the league in most offensive and defensive categories. UMaine is used to playing the role of underdog and should be a force to be reckoned with. They lack a powerful offense, ranking fourth in the league, Northeast does have a game-changing defense that ranks second in the league, behind only the Knights.
As UMaine heads into Saturday’s showdown against the Knights, they must remember two things. First, they must carry their “why not us” attitude into this weekend, as they have gone up against the odds all year and risen to the top. In their first year in existence they have come out of nowhere and taken the league by storm. There is no reason to stop now.
Finally, UMaine has been anchored by their defense. They must remember one thing: offense wins games, and defense wins championships. This Saturday, UMaine will be out to prove just that.
Bangor Daily News