The Husson Eagles and University of Maine Black Bear football teams continue to wind down the regular season with conference play with both in must win mode for any chance at postseason play. Husson hosts Senior Day at the Winkin Complex Saturday against Salve Regina, while Maine is in North Carolina to battle Elon.
Husson quarterback David Morrison hands off to running back Sean Noel Jr. in a game earlier this season at the Winkin Complex in Bangor. Photo by Chris Lessner
The Eagles broke a two game losing streak with a big 31-7 road win at Nichols College last Saturday. Wide receiver Tyler Halls had a huge day for Husson catching 11 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns. The Seahawks of Salve Regina (3-5, 2-3 Commonwealth Coast Conference) enter the game this weekend after an impressive 53-17 home win over UNE last week, a team that beat Husson earlier this season. Salve Regina has outscored their last two opponents 98-17.
Husson (3-5, 3-2) still have a slim opportunity to share a part of the conference title with wins in their last two games and some help from the top two teams in Western New England and Endicott. The Eagles face Western New England on the road in the last regular season game of the season next week. The hosts will need to play well defensively especially on Saturday to get past a hot Seahawks team. PREDICTION- A proud group of seniors go out with a win at home on Senior Day. Husson 34, Salve Regina 27
Maine quarterback Joe Fagnano gets ready to throw a pass in a game at Alfond Stadium in Orono earlier this season against William & Mary. Photo by Anthony DelMonaco
Meanwhile down at Rhodes Stadium in Elon, North Carolina another red hot team in the Maine Black Bears hope to make it three wins in a row overall against the Elon Phoenix.
Last week the Black Bears (4-5, 2-3 CAA) broke open a close game with a 23-3 outburst in the third quarter for a win at Albany. Maine will only be making its second trip to Elon ever, winning the first matchup between the two teams 24-14 back in 2014. Last fall the Bears held off the Phoenix 27-26 in Orono to clinch the CAA regular season title. Elon comes in off a loss in a historic five overtimes to William and Mary last Saturday. The Phoenix have been impressive in the redzone this season ranking first in the CAA and sixth nationally in redzone offense, and second in the CAA in redzone defense. They also enter having a +7 turnover ratio for the season.
PREDICTION- I think Maine will make just enough plays offensively and defensively in the end to escape North Carolina with their third straight win and keeping the playoff chances alive. Maine 33, Elon 27
