Cheney, Wash. -- The University of Maine's historic 2018 football season came to an end with a 50-19 loss in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Semifinals at No. 4 Eastern Washington on Saturday afternoon.

"I'm proud of my guys, proud of these seniors for taking us to a level that we've never been to," said head coach Joe Harasymiak. "I believe that we've represented the University and our state of Maine the right way."

The Black Bears, who advanced to the FCS semifinals for the first time in program history, concluded the campaign at 10-4 overall. Along the way, the Black Bears earned their second outright Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) title and also tallied their third-ever victory over a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent with a 31-28 win at Western Kentucky. The legendary season begun with the Brice-Cowell musket returning to Orono after Maine's 35-7 victory over rival New Hampshire.

Chris Ferguson threw for a career-high 325-yards, completing 28 passes out of a career-best 54 attempts with a touchdown. Andre Miller posted career-highs in receptions (9) and receiving yards (129) and recorded his first career touchdown while Jaquan Blair added five catches for 71-yards. Senior Micah Wright wrapped up his career fifth on Maine's all-time reception list with 168 catches while checking in fifth all-time in receiving yards at 2,233.

Maine's offense came out with a quick pace as Ferguson hit Wright on first down for a gain of 32 down to the EWU 43. An 11-yard carry by Devin Young moved Maine to the 32 where the drive stalled. Three plays later, Kenny Doak's 46-yard field goal came up short.

The Black Hole forced a three-and-out and Maine took over at its own 7-yard line. Ferguson's third down pass was picked off by Josh Lewis and returned back to the EWU 1. Eric Barriere rolled out on first down, finding Andrew Boston for the touchdown with 10:28 left in the opening quarter.

Maine, driving on its second possession when back-to-back completions to Earnest Edwards carried it to the EWU 39, were again bitten by the turnover bug. The Eagles brought a rush on second down as Keith Moore stripped Ferguson and EWU recovered the fumble at the Eagles' 42. Off the turnover, the Eagles went 58-yards in 1:54 before Barriere lofted a pass to Jayce Gilder in the back of the end zone for the score. EWU's lead would be 14-0 with 5:58 remaining in the first.

The Eagles extended their first quarter lead to 21-0 on Barriere's third touchdown pass of the period, this one an 11-yard completion to Nsimba Webster.

Barriere tacked on a 16-yard touchdown pass, once again finding Weber for the score, as the Eagles' lead grew to 28-0 with 5:37 left in the half.

The highlight of the half came late in the second for the Black Bears. With EWU driving at the Maine 8, Manny Patterson picked off Barriere in the end zone with a diving grab, halting the Eagles' late scoring threat.

The Black Bears entered the half trailing 28-0.

Maine caught a break out of the half. EWU began the third quarter at its own 12. The first snap of the half was muffed by Barriere as the ball would roll into the end zone before Barriere booted it out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

The Black Bears started their next drive from their own 42 after a 17-yard return by Edwards on the ensuing kick after the safety. Jefferson bounced outside for a 28-yard gain but the drive would stall at the EWU 13, causing Kenny Doak to come on for his second field goal attempt of the game. Doak's 31-yard attempt was good, bringing the score to 28-5 early in the third.

EWU had the answer as Barriere and Webster connected for the duo's third score of the game. A 9-yard pass and catch pushed the lead to 35-5 with 10:55 on the clock in the third period.

Maine's third drive of the third quarter concluded with the Black Bears' first touchdown of the afternoon. Ferguson and the offense went to work at the Maine 37 prior to picking up 16-yard on a completion to Blair. Ferguson rifled a pass into Miller who caught it in stride and broke free through the seam, scampering 47-yards for his first career touchdown reception.

The Black Bears kept churning away, putting together an efficient seven play, 84-yard drive in 2:34 for their second touchdown of the day. Beginning at the Maine 16, Ferguson connected with Edwards for a 20-yard gain before a 15-yard strike to Miller carried it to the EWU 29. A roughing the passer flag put the Black Bears in the red zone and a 12-yard reception by Belcher put it at the 2-yard line. Fitzpatrick fought for tough yards up the middle, eventually crossing the goal line for the touchdown, cutting the EWU lead to 35-19 late in the third.

EWU wasted no time answering as it put together a two play drive, covering 75-yards in just 42-seconds. Barriere and Webster connected for their fourth touchdown of the day, this one a 58-yard strike, extending the lead to 45-19.

Barriere's seventh passing touchdown came with 8:07 left in regulation, a 29-yard scoring throw to Jayce Gilder, stretch the Eagles' lead to 50-19.

The Black Bears wrap the 2018 season with their most wins since also capturing 10 back in 2013.

-UMaine-