Maine’s Division III football programs take center stage today as Div. I University of Maine has a bye week.
Maine Maritime Academy of Castine continues its quest for a New England Football Conference Bogan Division title, while Husson University of Bangor and Colby College of Waterville head to the road for conference contests.
Framingham State Rams (4-3) at Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (5-1), noon, Ritchie Field, Castine: MMA goes after its fourth consecutive victory in its last home game of the season.
The Mariners remain in the hunt for the Bogan Division title, tied with Bridgewater State at 3-1, although the Bears won the regular-season meeting and would win a tiebreaker.
MMA continues to slice through defenses with its triple option attack. Senior fullback Jim Bower of South Paris is poised to go over the 1,000-yard rushing mark again this week as he enters the game with 994 yards (165.7 yards per game, 6.3 yards per carry).
The Mariners have sparkled on offense, leading the NEFC in scoring 36.7 ppg and rushing for 393 ypg. Bauer also has scored 13 touchdowns.
Heading up the defense are Travis Fergola of Mexico (56 tackles), Mike Riley (48 tackles, 4 interceptions) and Wade Mondoux (42 tackles).
Framingham State (2-2 Bogan) has dropped two in a row and has been lackluster on offense. The Rams have scored only 37 points in the last three games combined.
Husson Eagles (2-4) at Castleton State Spartans (2-4), noon, Spartan Stadium, Castleton, Vt.: The Eagles hope to break out of a three-game losing streak against the first-year Spartans.
Husson has lost two of the recent contests by a combined four points, including a tough 20-19 setback to Norwich last week.
The Eagles continue to search for better balance and consistency on offense. However, that has been hampered by injuries at both the quarterback and tailback positions.
Coach Niles Nelson said freshman Cody Goddard of Auburn likely will start at quarterback for the second straight week. Sophomore Jack Hersom of Sidney is expected to be cleared after missing last week’s game with a concussion but did not practice this week.
The Eagles also are missing tailback Justin Lindie of Winslow, center Mike Austin of Turner and linebacker Bobby Gilbert of Beaver Cove, all with injuries.
Castleton State has been among the league’s most porous defenses, but has had good success throwing the ball on offense. The Spartans have allowed 42.8 points and 461 yards per game.
Shane Brozowski has thrown for 1,135 yards — almost twice the yardage of the next ECFC team in that category — with five TDs and seven interceptions.
Colby Mules (1-3) at Hamilton Continentals (1-3), noon, Steuben Field, Hamilton, N.Y.: The Mules hit the highway for their longest New England Small College Athletic Conference road trip.
Wet weather could be a factor, as both teams like to throw often. However, the Continentals have been more reliant on the pass game while rushing for a league-low 40 ypg.
Colby is led by Nick Kmetz, who has thrown for 182 ypg.
Hamilton has been plagued by turnovers, including nine interceptions, and is minus-14 in that category.
Today’s other games, 1 p.m.: Bowdoin (2-2) at Trinity (4-0), Middlebury (1-3) at Bates (0-4).