The rivalry will be renewed once again Thursday night at 7 p.m., when the University of Maine football team meets the University of New Hampshire at Alfond Stadium in Orono in their mutual season and conference opener.
This will be the 107th meeting between the two teams. Most recently, Maine squared off with UNH in Durham last August to begin the season. Maine had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but an extra point by kicker Kenny Doak sailed wide and the Wildcats hung on for a 24-23 win.
Maine was picked eighth out of 12 teams in the Colonial Athletic Association preseason Coaches poll, while UNH was picked second behind James Madison. UNH is also ranked ninth in the country in the national preseason FCS coaches poll.
UNH returns senior quarterback Trevor Knight, along with senior wideout Neil O’Connor and junior running back Evan Gray. Maine goes with sophomore Chris Ferguson at quarterback. Ferguson will be looking to get the ball to wideouts Micah Wright, Earnest Edwards, Jaquan Blair, and tightend Drew Belcher. North Yarmouth native Joe Fitzpatrick is expected to get a bulk of the carries out of the backfield. The “Black Hole” defense should be really good once again this season. Some players to keep an eye on will be Sterling Sheffield, Kayon Whitaker, Charles Mitchell, and Jaron Grayer. The secondary is led by seniors Darrius Hart and Jeffrey Devaughn.
UNH has won eight straight in the series, and 15 of the last 16 against Maine. The winner receives the Brice Cowell Musket, awarded to the school who claims the victory each year in this rivalry.
For live scoring updates beginning just after 7 p.m. follow on www.twitter.com/EasternMESports, and also for a full recap with postgame remarks from both teams visit Eastern Maine Sports on Facebook or go to www.easternmainesports.com later after the game.
