Sports

Football: Dukes stop Bears late comeback

Brusko catches a career-high 12 passes in loss

Posted on Nov. 09, 2009, at 2:12 a.m.

For most of the 2009 season, the University of Maine football team has been hampered by second half struggles. Last week, the Black Bears set those aside, downing then-No. 19 UMass after a strong all-around performance.

On Saturday afternoon at James Madison, UMaine struggled through the first three quarters, falling behind 22-0 before mounting a comeback that fell just short in the fourth.

Justin Thorpe threw for a touchdown and ran for another and the Dukes held off UMaine 22-14 in a Colonial Athletic Association matchup at Bridgeforth Stadium.

UMaine falls to 4-5 overall and 3-3 in the CAA. They are now two games behind North Division-leading New Hampshire. James Madison improves to 4-5 on the season and 2-4 in conference play.

After an opening drive by the Black Bears that was stalled on a fourth-and-1 at the James Madison 8, the Dukes took advantage of four first half turnovers to build a 15-0 lead at the half.

James Madison scored its first points in the second quarter when a snap to punter Jordan Waxman sailed over his head and into the end zone. The Dukes scored their first touchdown on the ensuing drive on a 42-yard run by Thorpe.

A pair of Dixon Wright field goals extended the lead to 15-0.

To begin the second half, the Dukes added more points when Thorpe found Scott Noble for a 31-yard touchdown pass.

UMaine started their comeback bid in the fourth, scoring on a 13-yard touchdown catch by Mike Brusko.

With 6:01 left to play, the Black Bears faked a punt and Brusko threw an 82-yard strike to Troy Harris to close the gap to 22-14.

UMaine’s final two drives were stalled by interceptions though, ending their comeback attempt.

The offense was led by Brusko, who caught a career-high 12 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a touchdown pass. Sophomore quarterback Warren Smith finished 25-for-42 for 178 yards and a touchdown. He also threw three interceptions and was taken to the locker room late in the game for X-rays on his left foot.

Sophomore linebacker Vinson Givans recorded 15 tackles to lead the defense.

The Black Bears close out their home schedule on Saturday for Senior Day at noon against the University of Rhode Island.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 9th, 2009, 2:12 am. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.