The University of Maine got off to a 28-0 first quarter lead on Saturday afternoon and then would cruise to a 31-17 Colonial Athletic Association football win over the Elon Phoenix at Rhodes Stadium in Elon, North Carolina.
Maine (5-5, 3-3 CAA) scored on their fourth play from scrimmage just 1:56 into action when quarterback Joe Fagnano found Devin Young for a 60 yard touchdown to quickly make it 7-0. On the ensuing kickoff Elon fumbled and Maine recovered. That led to a three yard scoring run by Joe Fitzpatrick. On the Black Bears third possession Fagnano found big time playmaker Earnest Edwards down the middle of the field who outraced defenders for an 88 yard touchdown. It was the 16th touchdown for Edwards in the last 15 games. Maine continued to shock Elon later in the first when Edwards passed this time for touchdown when he found Jaquan Blair for a two yard score to make it 28-0. The Bears scored the 28 points in a 8:30 span and outgained the Phoenix 215-6 in yardage in the opening quarter.
Elon (4-6, 3-4) would score 17 of the final 20 points of the game really slowing down Maine after that first quarter. The Phoenix got on the board in the second on a 39 yard field goal by Skyler Davis and the score was 28-3 at the half. Brelynd Cyphers scored on a 12 yard run early in the third to finish off a five play, 58 yard drive in just 2:15 by the hosts. Kenny Doak pushed the lead back to 21 for the Black Bears with a short 18 yard field goal almost seven minutes into the fourth quarter. De’Sean McNair caught a six yard score from quarterback Davis Cheek with the game already decided with just 3:25 left.
Fagnano finished the day 20-29 passing for 320 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Emmanuel Reed had 13 carries for 55 yards, while Fitzpatrick added 14 attempts for 41 yards and a touchdown. The receiving core had a big day as Edwards led the way with five catches for 153 yards and a touchdown, and also threw for another (4th passing TD of season). Young added five for 87 yards and a score, while Blair grabbed seven catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. Adrian Otero had 11 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks to lead the defense. The Black Bears had six sacks of Elon quarterback Cheek on the day.
Maine has now won three straight games and is at .500 overall and in conference play. The Black Bears have a good chance to get into the FCS playoffs with wins over Rhode Island and UNH to close out of the season. Maine and URI square off in the regular season home finale on Senior Day next Saturday in Orono at 12 p.m.
Box Score
UME (5-5, 3-3) 28 0 0 3- 31
ELO (4-6, 3-4) 0 3 7 7- 17
Total yards- Maine 429 Elon 276
First downs- Maine 18 Elon 17
Third downs- Maine 7-17 Elon 5-15
Turnovers- Maine 1 Elon 2
Time of possession- Maine 38:22 Elon 21:38
