Elon, N.C. -- Maine jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter on three touchdown passes, two from Joe Fagnano, and held on for its third-straight win, defeating Elon 31-17 to move to 3-3 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play.

The Black Bears were able to take their 28-0 lead in the game's opening 10:18, outgaining Elon 215-6 in the first quarter while tallying its most points in a single quarter since Oct. 14, 2017. Maine, which scored its four touchdowns in just 15 plays, In the historic first quarter, Maine averaged 10.8 yards per play and 28.2 yards per completion as quarterback Joe Fagnano went 6-of-7 for 167-yards and two touchdowns.

Maine racked up three sacks in the first half, holding the Phoenix to just 93 total yards of first half offense, 49 of which coming on the final two plays of the second quarter. Elon's ground game was nonexistent in the opening half as the Black Hole smothered Elon's rush attack, holding the Phoenix to negative 20-yards on the ground over the first 30-minutes of action.

For the fourth consecutive game, Fagnano threw for over 249-yards, finishing 20-of-29 for his second-highest passing total (320) of the season and two touchdowns. Earnest Edwards went over 100-yard receiving for the fifth time this season, finishing with five receptions for 153-yards and a touchdown. Edwards, who now has a touchdown in 15 of his last 16 outings, added his fifth career touchdown pass while reaching another historic mark, surpassing Rameek Wright on Maine's all-time receiving yards list with 2,523 career yards.

Joe Fitzpatrick, Devin Young and Jaquan Blair each added a touchdown in the victory. Blair totaled a game-high seven catches, including pulling down Edwards' touchdown throw.

Maine's defense limited Elon to just 5-of-15 on third down. The Black Hole forced two turnovers, leading to 10 points for the Black Bears, while registering six sacks. Adrian Otero recorded a game-high 11 tackles while adding a career-best 2.0 sacks. Kayon Whitaker added five tackles and a pair of sacks, inching him to just 1.5 sacks behind Mike Denino (27.5) for second on Maine's all-time list.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

1Q | For the eighth time this season, the Black Bears were able to put numbers on the scoreboard in their first drive. Facing 3rd and 1 at their own 40, Fagnano rifled a pass to the sideline to Devin Young. Young tip-toed along the sideline before sprinting downfield for the 60-yard touchdown.

1Q | On the ensuing kickoff following Maine's touchdown, Jonathan Smith-Cobb made a bone-crushing hit on the Elon kick returner, knocking the ball loose. Ori Jean-Charles scooped up the fumble as the Black Bears took over on the Elon 7. Four plays later, Fitzpatrick crossed the goal line as Maine would hold a 14-0 lead just 3:57 into the first quarter.

1Q | The Black Hole forced a three-and-out and Maine immediately took advantage. On the first play of Maine's third drive, Fagnano rifled a pass to Edwards for an 88-yard touchdown. The score moved Edwards into second on Maine's all-time receiving yards list. The score also marked Maine's third touchdown of 80-yards or more (87, 90) in the last four weeks.

1Q | More of the same on the next Elon drive as the Phoenix went three-and-out before punting to the Black Bears. Blair returned the punt 39-yards, setting Maine up at the Elon 20. Fagnano to Shawn Bowman for nine yards gave Maine a first down at the Elon 10. Three plays later, Fagnano handed off to Edwards who scrambled to his right on an end around before lofting a pass to Blair for a touchdown. The toss marked Edwards' fifth touchdown throw of his career.

2Q | Elon, which took 21:30 to get its first, first down of the contest, found the scoreboard with 6:57 left in the half on a 39-yard field goal from Skyler Davis.

3Q | Elon cut the deficit to 28-10 with a touchdown early in the third. The Phoenix went 58-yards on five plays on the first drive of the quarter, ending with a 12-yard touchdown carry by Brelynd Cyphers.

4Q | Facing fourth down at its own 26, Elon converted on a fake punt which saw Marcus Willoughby take the direct snap 36-yards to the Maine 38. But Maine would punched back. On first down, Alejandro Oregon recorded a strip sack, knocking the ball loose. Jamehl Wiley pounced on the loose ball, giving the Black Bears possession on the Maine 42. Fagnano marched the offense back down the field, hitting Blair for 16-yards to the Elon 16. The drive would stall but Maine was able to extend the lead to 31-10 on an 18-yard field goal from Kenny Doak with 8:09 remaining.

4Q | The Phoenix added a late touchdown when Davis Cheek found De'Sean McNair for a six yard score. The touchdown completed a 15 play, 74-yard drive with 3:25 left in regulation.



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