CASTINE, Maine — Maine Maritime Academy and Massachusetts Maritime Academy combined to roll up 1,233 yards of total offense on Saturday afternoon.
But it was two special teams plays that gave the host Mariners the upper hand.
Freshman Chad Martin of Fairfield booted a pair of second-half field goals on Saturday afternoon, helping Maine Maritime hold on for a 47-41 football victory over Massachusetts Maritime at Ritchie Field.
Martin booted a 25-yard field goal in the third quarter and a 28-yarder in the final period as the Mariners beat their archrivals to claim the 43rd annual Admiral’s Cup trophy.
Fullback James Ferrar rushed for 157 yards on 23 carries and quarterback Michael Fahey netted 138 yards and two touchdowns on 27 attempts as the Mariners piled up 499 rushing yards. Fahey also passed for 88 yards and another score.
Maine Maritime (1-1) prevailed despite allowing 646 yards, including 460 via the run.
Kenny Pierce paced the Buccaneers (1-2) by rolling up 212 yards and 3 TDs on 15 carries and Brad Skeffington carried 22 times for 160 yards and a score. Skeffington was 14-for-34 passing for 186 yards, two TDs and two interceptions.
Pierce caught four passes for 58 yards and Shane Haggerty made five grabs for 52 yards and a score.
Maine Maritime scored on its first six possessions but led only 41-34 at halftime. The touchdowns came on Josh Doolan’s 61-yard jaunt, runs of 1 and 49 yards by Fahey, Jacob Doolan TD runs of 5 and 19 yards, and Fahey’s 31-yard scoring pass to Jordan Talbot.
The hosts built a 41-13 advantage before the Buccaneers rallied with three TDs in the last three minutes of the half. Pierce’s 80-yard TD run with 42 seconds left in the half cut the deficit to seven.
Martin later booted the field goals and Mass. Maritime could only put the ball in the end zone one more time. The visitors marched 92 yards on 15 plays in the final 3:02, but could not get off a final play on fourth-and-goal at the 4-yard line when time expired.
Jeddy Doyon spearheaded the defensive effort for Maine Maritime Academy with 16 tackles and Alex Gamester made 10.
Bobby Gross and Marshall McCarthy paced Mass. Maritime with 13 and 12 tackles, respectively.