Buies Creek, N.C. – The University of Maine football team, which trailed 28-7 in the first half at Campbell, rallied to outscore the Camels 21-6 in the second half. However, despite cutting the deficit to six late in the fourth quarter, the Black Bears were unable to take a lead as they fell on the road, 34-28, on Saturday afternoon.
 
Derek Robertson posted a career-high 503 passing yards, the most by a Black Bear since 2002, with four touchdowns on a career-high 36 completions. Robertson, who has now tossed three or more touchdowns in three of his last four outings, found Jamie Lamson for two touchdowns and hit Rohan Jones for the other two. For the third consecutive game, Joe Gillette surpassed the century mark in receiving as he posted six catches for 135 yards.
 
In total, Maine's offense finished with 492 yards and a 6-for-11 showing on third down.
 
Maine's defense, which forced one turnover in the contest, was led by Kahzir 'Buggs' Brown's game-high tying 10 tackles and a sack. Damon Matthews and Abdul Stewart each added eight stops while Alhaji Kamara chipped in five tackles, include two for loss, with a pass breakup, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
 
Maine began the scoring after taking its first possession 80 yards on seven plays for a touchdown. Robertson, who went 4-of-5 for 71-yards on the drive, finished the sprint with an 11-yard touchdown completion to Jamie Lamson.
 
Campbell responded to Maine's scoring drive with 28 unanswered points.
 
The Camels tied the game with 4:46 left in the first quarter on Lamagea McDowell's one yard rushing score.
 
Campbell took the lead early in the second quarter when Hajj-Malik Williams hit Jasiah Provillon for a short five-yard touchdown reception.
 
The lead grew to 21-7 when McDowell crossed the goal line for his second rushing touchdown of the half, this one a seven-yard score with 9:16 left in the first half.
 
An interception by the Camels set Campbell's offense up at its own 28 with 7:53 on the clock in the second quarter. Seven plays later, Chris McKay posted Campbell's third rushing score of the half as he carried the ball five yards for a score. The touchdown pushed Campbell's lead to 28-7 late in the second quarter.
 
Maine opened the scoring in the second half as the offense would take advantage of a fumble takeaway by Kamara. The fumble set up Maine on the Campbell 35. Two plays later, Robertson found Lamson for the duo's second touchdown connection of the day, this one a 26-yard hookup.
 
The Camels answered when Williams found Jalen Kelsey for a 33-yard touchdown reception with 3:09 left in the third quarter.
 
The Black Bears opened the fourth quarter with a score as Robertson connected with Rohan Jones for a 33-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone. The pass, which cut the Campbell lead to a two score deficit, marked Robertson's third touchdown toss of the day.
 
Maine kept charging. After the Black Bear defense forced a Campbell three-and-out with 9:51 left in regulation, Maine's offense went to work at its own 35. Robertson pushed Maine down the field, finding Tavion Banks for a 16-yard connection down to the Campbell 18. Two plays later, Robertson again hooked up with Jones for a touchdown. The extra point trimmed the deficit to six, 34-28, with 6:12 on the clock.
 
Maine's defense again held strong on Campbell's ensuing possession, forcing a punt as the offense took over on its own 14.
 
However, four plays into the drive the Black Bears were intercepted. Campbell was able to run the clock out, escaping with a 34-28 victory.
 
Maine returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 28 when it hosts UAlbany at Alfond Stadium.
 
-UMaine-