Maines Earnest Edwards celebrates a touchdown in a season opening win against UNH on August 30, 2018. Photo by Anthony Delmonaco
At Cheney, Washington Eastern Washington quarterback Eric Barriere threw for seven touchdown passes Saturday afternoon, as the Eagles cruised past the Maine Black Bears in the FCS semifinals 50-19 at Roos Field.
Maine (10-4) had the ball first and after a 32 yard pass to Micah Wright from Chris Ferguson and an 11 yard run by Devin Young, were in good position to score. But a 46 yard field goal by Kenny Doak missed short. A few minutes later Ferguson threw an interception at his own 20 on third down, that was returned 19 yards to the one yard line. Barriere then threw his first TD pass of one yard to Andrew Boston. After driving deep in EWU territory again to the Eagles 37, Ferguson was sacked and stripped of the ball by Keith Moore, who also recovered the loose ball. The ensuing drive set up a three yard touchdown pass to Jayce Gilder who made a great catch over Deshawn Stevens in the back of the endzone to make it 14-0. Late in the first quarter Eastern Washington (12-2) extended the lead to 21-0 on an 11 yard touchdown catch by Nsimba Webster.
With 5:37 left in the second quarter, Webster reeled in his second touchdown reception, the 16 yard score made it 28-0 at the half. Maine finally got some momentum early in the third quarter on the first play from scrimmage. The snap to Barriere at the EWU 12 yard line was wild, going through the back of the endzone for a safety to get the Bears on the board 28-2. Maine took the ball after the free kick and marched down the field where they settled for a 30 yard field goal from Doak to make it 28-5. A five play drive though by the Eagles quickly made it 35-5 just 1:55 later when Webster caught his third touchdown from nine yards out. Almost four minutes later Ferguson threw his lone touchdown pass of the game connecting for a 47 yarder to Andre Miller. Joe Fitzpatrick followed that with a two yard touchdown run with 1:47 left in the quarter, and all of a sudden Maine was within two scores at 35-19. It only took EWU two plays and 42 seconds however to take control again, after a Sam McPherson 17 yard run, Barriere once again found Webster streaking down the field for the 58 yard score, and also adding a two point conversion making it 43-19. Gilder added the final scoring play of the day with 8:07 left in the game, hauling in Barrieres seventh touchdown pass from 29 yards, and sending the Eagles to the national title game on January 5 when they face reigning champion and undefeated North Dakota State.
Ferguson finished 28-54 passing, 325 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and one lost fumble. The 325 yards and 54 attempts were both career highs for the sophomore quarterback. Ramon Jefferson led the Bears rushing attack with 65 yards on 11 carries. Miller caught nine passes for 129 yards to lead the receiving core. Taiji Lowe had nine total tackles on defense, while Jeffrey Devaughn and Stevens had eight a piece. The Bears didn’t have any quarterback sacks, and was carved up all afternoon long giving up 568 total yards. Barriere finished 21-30 passing, 352 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. McPherson rushed 12 times for 64 yards, as EWU rushed for a total of 236 yards against the top ranked rushing defense of Maine. Webster finished with nine catches for 188 yards and four touchdowns. Dehonta Hayes made 13 total tackles for the Eagles.
The loss for Maine ends a six game win streak in their first ever appearance in the national semifinals. Key losses from this years historic team defensivey include Sterling Sheffield, Darrius Hart, and Devaughn. Offensively Maine losses steady offensive lineman Cody Levy, along with Drew Belcher and Wright.
UME 0 0 19 0- 19
EWU 21 7 15 7- 50
Total yards- Maine 479 EWU 568
First downs- Maine 32 EWU 27
Turnovers- Maine 4 EWU 1
Third down conv.- Maine 7-17 EWU 4-10
Time of Possession- Maine 34:45 EWU 25:15
