Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine football team jumped out to a 28-0 lead after the first quarter and never looked back as the Black Bears earned their first victory of the season, 56-28, over Stony Brook on Saturday afternoon at Alfond Stadium.

Maine's 56 point effort was its most points score since tallying a 60 point scoring effort in Sept. of 2017 against Bryant. The Black Bears posted a season-high 512 yards of offense behind a career day from quarterback Derek Robertson who finished the effort 25-for-30 for a career-high 394 yards and five touchdowns. Robertson found Montigo Moss and Joe Gillette each for two scores while Cooper Heisey registered his first career touchdown reception with the Black Bears. Moss finished the day with five receptions for a career-high 108 yards to go along with his two scores. For the second time this season, Tristen Kenan found the end zone twice on the ground while Trevin Ewing added Maine's eighth touchdown on a 30-yard end-around score.

Maine's eight touchdowns was its most in a game since also posting eight in December of 2018. The Black Bears also finished the day with 425 pass yards, its most since October of 2019, and tallied 42 first-half points for the first time since 2018.

The offensive explosion was not to be out-done by the defensive effort as the Black Bears forced three turnovers and three sacks while limiting the Seawolves to just 4-of-13 on third down. Maine, which forced two fumbles and registered an interception in the win, was led by Jabari Odoemenem's career-high nine tackles, including one for loss, while Xavier Holmes added five tackles, a half sack, a forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Abdul Stewart nabbed his second interception of the season while Damon Matthews forced and recovered Maine's second fumble, this one coming on its own goal line.

The Black Hole defense wasted no time making a statement as it forced a fumble on Stony Brook's first play from scrimmage. Maine's offense took over at the Stony Brook 33 before Kenan ended the drive with a one-yard plunge into the end zone.

After a three-and-out from Stony Brook's offense, Maine went back to work. Robertson founded a streaking Gillette down the middle of the field for a 55-yard pass and catch with 10:27 left in the first quarter.

On its next offensive possession, Maine's offense kept rolling as the lead swelled to 21-0 on a 30-yard end-around rushing score by Ewing.

The Black Bears continued to reach into their bag of tricks as a flea flicker resulted in Robertson finding a wide open Moss down the seam for a 41-yard touchdown.

Maine would lead, 28-0, after one quarter of action.

Stony Brook stopped Maine's scoring streak with a 47-yard touchdown from Casey Case to Jayden Cook early in the second.

The Black Bears had the answer. On its ensuing possession, Robertson and the offense marched down the field before the quarterback again found Gillette in the end zone, this time for an electric 34-yard score.

Case connected with Cal Redman on a 51-yard pass and catch to answer the Maine score.

With 56-seconds left in the half, Maine looked to again find pay dirt after beginning its drive on the Maine 49. Robertson connected with Ewing and Moss for gains of 12 before Moss hauled in a 27-yard touchdown reception, his second of the half.

Maine's lead would stand at 42-14 at the break.

The Black Bears ran the lead out to 49-14 when Kenan completed a 10 play, 75-yard drive with a two yard rushing score early in the third.

Stony Brook's next possession ended with Stewart's interception. Stewart weaved his way back through the Stony Brook defense for a 55-yard turnover return down to the Maine two yard line. On the third play of the drive, Robertson lobbed a pass to Heisey who dove for the touchdown reception to make it 56-14.

The Seawolves added two more touchdowns before Maine locked in and sealed the victory, 56-28.

Maine continues action on Saturday, Oct. 7 when it travels to take on Richmond at 3:30 p.m.



-UMaine-