Black Bears Fall in Border Battle at New Hampshire

Saturday, November 23

Durham, NH

1:00 PM

University of Maine

6-6 , 4-4

University of New Hampshire

6-5 , 5-3

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
MAINE	7	0	0	3	10
New Hampshire	7	7	0	14	28

Photo by: Ronald Gillis Jr.

Black Bears Fall in Border Battle at New Hampshire

11/23/2019 4:55:00 PM | Football

Box Score

Edwards becomes Maine's all-time receiving leader with 2,641-yards receiving

Durham, N.H. -- Earnest Edwards became Maine's all-time leader in receiving yards, completing his career with 2,625-yards after registering four catches for 60-yards and a touchdown in Maine's 28-10 regular season loss at New Hampshire.

Taji Lowe paced Maine's defense with nine total tackles as the Black Hole forced three turnovers, registered eight tackles for loss, and held the Wildcats to 5-of-15 on third down. Joshua Huffman recorded eight tackles while Kayon Whitaker added six stops, 3.0 for loss, and forced a fumble. Shaquille St-Lot recovered a fumble and his registered his first career interception while Adrian Otero added Maine's third takeaway after recovering a fumble forced by Whitaker.

The two teams were whistled for 18 total penalties, with 10 being charged to the Black Bears.

Offensively, Jaquan Blair tallied eight catches for 91-yards. Freshman quarterback Joe Fagnano finished 18-of-31 for 183-yards and a touchdown. Kenny Doak knocked through a 45-yard field goal, tying his longest make of the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

1Q | On Maine's first play on its first possession, Fagnano hit Devin Young for a 2-yard catch. However, Isaiah Perkins was able to strip the ball and the Wildcats recovered at the Maine 35. Three plays later, Max Brosmer found Dylan Laube for a 35-yard touchdown, just 32-seconds into the first quarter.

1Q | Maine settled in on its ensuing possession and had the answer. Two personal foul penalties against the Wildcats helped to advance the ball down to the New Hampshire 14. Fagnano rushed in from 14-yards out for the score but the touchdown was wiped off the board due to an illegal formation penalty on the Black Bears. Two plays later, Fagnano stepped up in the pocket before rifling a pass down the sideline, finding Edwards in stride in the end zone for the touchdown.

2Q | New Hampshire regained the lead with 5:43 left in the half, capping an 11 play, 72-yard drive with a four yard touchdown run by Evan Gray.

2Q | The Wildcats looked to add to their lead late in the second quarter. Bret Edwards, who took over at quarterback after Brosmer was shaken up earlier in the quarter, drove the Wildcats down to the Maine 17. However, Maine's bend don't break defensive mentality came up big again late when Edwards fumbled. Adrian Otero fell on the loose ball, giving Maine possession with 39-seconds left and, eventually, sending Maine into the break trailing 14-7.

3Q | After a costly fumble by the Black Bears, New Hampshire quarterback Brosmer returned to the game, marching the Wildcats down to the Maine 15. On first down, Brosmer was picked off by Shaquille St-Lot at the Maine 2.

4Q | Maine forced a three-and-out and, following a 19-yard punt, took over at the New Hampshire 39. Fagnano hit Daniel Rymer for a 15-yard gain on first down. However, the drive would stall, bringing Kenny Doak on for a 45-yard field goal try. Doak would hit the field goal, tying his longest make of the year, cutting the deficit to 14-10 with 7:55 remaining in regulation.

4Q | New Hampshire put the game away late with 14-unanswered points. Brosmer's second touchdown pass of the afternoon, this one to Gunner Gibson for a four yard score, put the Wildcats on top 21-20 with 1:48 to play. On the ensuing drive, Fagnano was strip-sacked. Prince Smith Jr., recovered the fumble, returning it 30-yards for a defensive score. Maine was unable to close the gap late, falling on the road to the Wildcats, 28-10.

-UMaine-