The University of Maine football team made it seven straight wins on homecoming on Saturday afternoon, getting past Long Island University 24-13 in non-conference action at Alfond Stadium in Orono.
LIU (1-5) struck quick to open the scoring. With the first possession of the game, Sharks quarterback Ethan Greenwood found an open Michael Love over the middle of the field. Love outran the entire Maine defense from right to left and up the near sideline for a 71-yard touchdown just 1:13 in for a 7-0 lead. The Black Bears tied it with a lengthy 7:42 drive later in the quarter. Derek Robertson capped off the 14 play, 75 yard march with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Montigo Moss. LIU responded with their next possession on a 30-yard Michael Coney field goal early in the second, and had a chance to extend it even more just seconds before the half but a 34-yard attempt by Coney was blocked by Damon Matthews. Maine (2-5) took the lead for good when they got the ball first to begin third quarter, as Robertson connected with several different receivers during the drive and hit Jamie Lamson to finish it off with a 2-yard TD pass. After Coney cut it to 14-13 with his second field goal make, Robertson worked a stop and go passing route with Trevin Ewing on the first play of the fourth for a 51-yard touchdown and a 21-13 advantage. Cody Williams added a 30-yard field goal, and the Bears were able to come up with an interception each by Kahzir “Buggs” Brown and Abdul Stewart of Greenwood in the final 7:32 to seal the victory.
Robertson went 20-32 passing for 235 yards and three touchdowns in the win for Maine. Tavion Banks rushed 21 times for 73 yards. Joe Gillette had a superb game for a third straight week, catching eight passes for 125 yards. Tyshawn Stewart had eight total tackles to lead the defense. Izaiah Henderson had a sack, and Rayshad Wallace along with Zion Cheeks had a half sack each. Abdul Stewart and Brown had six and five total tackles respectively to go along with their one interception a piece. Greenwood finished 13-20 for 193 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the loss for LIU out of the Northeast Conference. He was also the leader rusher for the Sharks with 21 attempts for 69 yards. Love had two receptions for 83 yards, including the big 71-yarder that went for a touchdown to begin the day. Maine is back in Coastal Athletic Association action next Saturday when they head to Buies Creek, North Carolina to take on Campbell University at 4 p.m. to try to improve on their 1-3 conference record.
Recap and photo by Chris Lessner
The Maine football team takes the field in an earlier game this season at Alfond Stadium. The Black Bears won their seventh straight homecoming game on Saturday afternoon, by topping Long Island University 24-13
