Orono, Maine -- In a back and forth CAA affair,
Austin Ambush's interception in Maine's end zone with under a minute remaining in regulation sealed a 31-24 road victory for the Black Bears at Hampton University on Saturday afternoon.
Maine posted a season-best 449 yards of offense, 226 of which coming on the rushing attack, as the Black Bears tallied three rushing touchdowns in the win. Against the Pirates, who entered the day leading the CAA in rush defense while not having allowed a rushing score in each of their first four games,
Elijah Barnwell led the way on the ground with a season-high 90 yards on 11 attempts, averaging 8.2 yards per carry, with a touchdown.
Zavier Scott added a rushing score while
Freddie Brock posted a rushing and receiving touchdown in the victory. Joe Fagano added 59 yards rushing while going 19-for-24 with 213 yards and a touchdown through the air.
The Black Hole defense posted three takeaways with
Jamond DuBose,
Adrian Otero, and Ambush each tallying an interception. Otero,
Jamehl Wiley, and Kahzir 'Buggs' Brown paced Maine with six tackles a piece.
Maine finished the day 6-of-12 on third down and a perfect 3-of-3 in the red zone.
Hampton jumped out to a 7-0 lead with a touchdown on its first drive as Malcolm Mays found Tyler Thompson for a 40 yard score.
The Black Bears answered on its next drive, converting on a pair of third downs while executing an 11 play, 71 yard scoring drive with all 71 yards coming on the ground. Scott's 10 yard rush brought Maine to the Hampton 13. Two plays later,
Elijah Barnwell powered his way in from four yards out for Maine's first rushing touchdown of the season.
Hampton had an immediate answer when Mays hit Jadakis Bonds for a 67 yard touchdown.
The Black Bears would go on to rattle off 10 unanswered points to take their first lead of the afternoon.
After a Maine interception, the Black Hole defense was able to get the ball back with a diving interception by
Jamond DuBose, the first take away of his career at Maine.
The turnover set Maine up at its own 12 where the offense once again went to work on the ground. Fagnano carried the ball for a gain of 27 followed by a 17 yard pick up by Barnwell. Fagnano moved the ball down to the Hampton 27 before Scott, working out of the wildcat, broke free up the middle for a 27 yard touchdown.
Another Maine take away, this one an interception by
Adrian Otero, gave the offense the ball at the Hampton 43. Maine moved the ball down to the Hampton three where
Cole Baker would convert a 21 yard field goal, giving Maine a 17-14 lead at the break.
Hampton struck first in the second half, regaining the lead on a five yard touchdown pass from Mays to Bonds on third and goal.
The Pirates elevated their lead to 24-17 on Axel Perez's 36 yard field goal with just six seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Maine responded, rallying off 14 unanswered points to take a 31-24 lead.
Fagnano moved Maine down the field to start the fourth quarter, finding
Trevin Ewing for a 28 yard gain before hitting
Kobay White on an 18 yard strike down to the Hampton seven yard line. Two plays later, Brock slashed his way through the line and in to the end zone for the score.
After the Black Hole forced a Hampton punt, Maine's offense again went to work. Barnwell opened up the drive with a 24 yard rush to midfield before Fagnano found
Montigo Moss for 24 yard to the Hampton 25. On the next play, Fagnano found a wide open Brock in the center of the end zone for the touchdown to put Maine on top, 31-24, with 7:15 remaining.
Hampton, trailing by seven, moved the ball down to the Maine 32 late in the fourth quarter. However,
Austin Ambush's interception with 57-seconds remaining in regulation sealed the deal in Maine's 31-24 victory.
The Black Bears return home on Saturday, Oct. 15 to host Monmouth on Homecoming Weekend. Tickets are available at GoBlackBears.com.tickets and by phone at 207-581-BEAR.
-UMaine-
