On Sept. 21, the University of Maine Black Bears football team won 26-15 against the Merrimack College Warriors.
Maine won the coin toss, choosing to defer, giving it to Merrimack’s offense. Merrimack’s offense was led by second-year quarterback Ayden Pereira, who is a former Black Bear. Pereira played one game for UMaine last season.
On the opening drive, Maine defense was able to stop Pereira and the Warriors. The Black Bears’ first drive was not as successful as fifth-year quarterback Carter Peevy had hoped. Maine had a first down caught by fifth-year Mason Gilbert. On the second down, fourth-year defensive back Grant Jackson picked up a fumble for a scoop-and-score touchdown. Fourth-year kicker Lliam Davis secured the extra point giving the Warriors a 7-point lead.
The Black Bear defense allowed a field goal by Davis, giving the Warriors a 10 point lead. Maine’s offense strengthened, and they ended the quarter with the ball on the Merrimack 1-yard line.
The second quarter picked up with second and goal. The drive ended with Gilbert catching a touchdown on a fade route to make the score 10-6. The Black Bears attempted a throwing play for a two-point conversion, but the pass, intended for third-year Declan McKevvit, was incomplete.
On the Warriors’ next drive, Davis kicked another field goal. With five minutes on the clock, Peevy was sacked for a safety by fourth-year defensive lineman Jay Thompson, making the game 15-6.
After the Maine defense pulled off a fourth down interception in the end zone, the score remained 15-6 at halftime.
At the start of the third quarter, the two teams traded punts, and both defenses were working hard. With eight minutes left in the quarter, defensive back Alhaji Kamara gave Maine the spark they needed. Kamara intercepted the Warriors on their 30-yard line, his second forced turnover of the day.
Peevy threw two passes to running back fourth-year Tavion Banks, gaining 11 yards and a first down. Peevy continued to move the chains, throwing to fifth-year wide receiver Joe Gillette for 21 yards. The Black Bear offense got their ninth penalty of the game for an illegal block, forcing them back to the 20-yard line for 2nd and goal. But Peevy would scramble for 12 yards, and then threw to fifth-year tight end Cooper Heisy for an eight yard touchdown. Second-year kicker Joey Bryson, added the extra point.
This drive was the start of the change in momentum for the Black Bears, while the Warriors started to slow down, losing the momentum they had in the first half. The quarter ended 15-13 with Merrimack still clinging to a two-point lead.
The first drive of the fourth quarter ended with a field goal by Bryson, giving Maine their first lead of the game. The Warriors tried to get their momentum back, but the Black Bears forced a quick punt.
Starting at their own six-yard line, Maine orchestrated a 94-yard touchdown drive. Peevy threw to Gillette for a 20-yard play and a 43-yard play. Fourth-year Montigo Moss had a catch for 11 yards, followed by Banks with a five-yard carry and a touchdown. Bryson kicked the extra point, which brought UMaine ahead, 23-15.
Pereria came back out as quarterback for the Warriors, after being replaced for a few drives by third-year Justin Lewis, who threw two interceptions. Maine’s defense forced another three-and-out to get the ball back. With two minutes left in the game, Bryson kicked a 33 yard field goal, securing the 26-15 win.
Maine outscored Merrimack 20-0 in the second half, with both the offense and defense dominating.
The Black Bears will look to add on to their win streak as they head to the University of Albany on Sept. 28.
