It will be a celebration of seniors Saturday as the University of Maine and Husson University play their final home games.
Elon Phoenix (3-6) at Maine Black Bears (3-6), 12:30 p.m., Morse Field, Alfond Stadium, Orono: The Phoenix from North Carolina make their first journey to Maine to take on the Black Bears, who have lost two straight and three of their last four.
UMaine’s 18 seniors will try to end their Morse Field experience with a victory. The group includes starters in center Bruce Johnson, wide receiver John Hardy, defensive ends Trevor Bates and Mike Kozlakowski, linebackers Randy Samuels and Cabrinni Goncalves, cornerback Sherrod Baltimore, place-kicker Sean Decloux and punt returner Justin Flores.
Other key contributors are linebacker John McCabe, tailback Darius Benders and offensive guard Ben Wezel. The rest of the class, including several whose careers were ended by injuries, are OL Dan Carriker and Chase Hoyt, RBs Isaiah Jones and Nigel Jones and LBs Matthew LeBlanc and Brian Anthony.
UMaine (3-3 CAA) continues to search for more production after scoring only 10 points combined in its last two games. Sophomore quarterback Drew Belcher (73-for-112, 694 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions), junior wideout Jordan Dunn (45 receptions, 451 yds., 2 TDs) and sophomore tailback Nigel Beckford (111 carries, 485 yds., 4 TDs) are the top threats in a scheme that has managed only 15.1 points and 314.4 yards per game.
That may be a good matchup against Elon, a second-year CAA member who has surrendered 26.3 points and 402 yards per contest, including a league-worst 217 ypg against the run. The Phoenix (2-4 CAA) defense is headed by linebackers Corey Mitchell (100 tackles) and John Silas (82) and safety Chris Blair (81 tackles, 1 INT.).
The Bears look to stifle an Elon offense that is among the league’s least potent, averaging 12.2 points and 262 yards, including a CAA-worst 78 ypg via the run. The Phoenix are led by QB Connor Christiansen (103-for-178, 908 yds., 4 TDs, 2 INTs) and WRs Corey Joyner (31 rec., 251 yds., 2 TDs) and Tre Lennon (30-357-1).
UMaine, ranked fifth in CAA total defense (325 ypg) and scoring defense (20.9 ppg), is No. 2 against the run (119 ypg). Samuels (64 tackles, 2 INTs), Bates (45 tackles, 5.5 sacks) and Kozlakowski (42 tackles, 4.5 sacks) spearhead that unit.
Mount Ida Mustangs (2-7) at Husson Eagles (6-2), noon, Winkin Complex, Bangor: The Eagles hope to avoid a letdown after a loss at Norwich that gave the Cadets the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference title. “Senior Day” may help give them the motivation they need.
Husson will recognize 17 seniors, including QB Joe Seccareccia, linebackers Bryant Wade and Tobey Harrington, offensive linemen Matt Archer and Tyler Lyle, CB Jordan Hersom, defensive linemen Matt Pellerin, Tyler Shanklin, Ian Palmer, Jordan Shufeldt, Jared Shufeldt and Jack Goldberg, receivers Josiah Hartley and Derek Miller, punter Jon Geagan, kicker Seth Freudenberger and RB Alex Cardenas.
Maine Maritime Academy Mariners (2-6) at Nichols Bison (1-8), noon, Vendetti Field, Dudley, Massachusetts: MMA needs a win against offensively challenged Nichols to avoid finishing in the New England Football Conference cellar.