ORONO, Maine — It’s not the finish they wanted.
The 24 seniors who will wear University of Maine football uniforms for the last time on Saturday at noon against Stony Brook were hoping that this game was going to be for a Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth or a tuneup for a playoff game.
Instead, it will determine whether UMaine finishes at or below .500. Stony Brook appears to be playoff bound.
“We have never won our last game of the (regular) season,” pointed out senior left tackle Jamil Demby. “That will be something to accomplish as well. We’ll be able to leave on a good note.”
Archrival New Hampshire has beaten the Black Bears in their previous four regular-season finales.
UMaine’s last victory in a season-ending game came against Rhode Island in 2012.
“We’d also like to go undefeated at home,” said senior cornerback Najee Goode.
UMaine is 3-0 at Alfond Stadium and its only loss in Maine came on Nov. 4 in Portland against Delaware (31-17).
Goode said he will be playing “for my family and my teammates. And we want to show the young guys how to finish their careers strong.”
Senior defensive end Dakota Tarbox of Dayton, who played at Thornton Academy in Saco, said the team is disappointed about its season, but “we’ve got to make the best of it. We want to send these guys into next year with their heads up and with a good CAA win.”
Senior right tackle Isaiah Brooks said it is going to be emotional.
“This is the last time I’m going to play with people with whom I’ve been with for five years,” said Brooks. “I’m happy I’ve been able to play every game and make every practice. I’ve been blessed to have an opportunity that a lot of other people don’t get.”
“There are so many memories, most importantly were the close friendships I’ve developed with everyone on the team,” said Tarbox.
He is also proud of the fact he was an in-state player who “got on the field all four years whether it be on special teams or on defense. It shows everyone that they can live out their dreams.”
Demby and Brooks have developed a close bond.
“It has been great to have him next to me on the line,” said Brooks.
“I love that guy to death. We’ve been through so much together,” said Demby.
No. 10 Stony Brook (8-2, 6-1 CAA) at UMaine (4-5, 3-4 CAA), noon, Alfond Stadium, Orono: Stony Brook has won four in a row while the Black Bears have lost two straight. One key matchup is UMaine sophomore tailback Josh Mack, who leads the CAA with 1,262 rushing yards and is second in the FCS behind Campbell’s Daniel Smith (1,269), and UMaine’s veteran offensive line vs. Stony Brook’s rush defense, 13th best in the country (96.9 yards per game).
Mack (30 catches, 209 yards) and senior wide receiver Jaleel Reed (29-384) are the favorite targets of QB Chris Ferguson (152-for-284, 1,808 yards, 14 TDs, 11 interceptions). The defense is led by linebackers Jaron Grayer (73 tackles) and Sterling Sheffield (61, 5.5 sacks) along with end Kayon Whitaker (56 tackles, CAA-leading 8.5 sacks).
Quarterback Joe Carbone (165-264, 1,773 yards, 18 TDs, 3 interceptions) is having an outstanding year for the Seawolves as is WR Ray Bolden (64 catches, 769 yds., 9 TDs). Stacey Bedell (127-678) is the leading rusher and the defense features LB Shayne Lawless (69 tackles, 5 sacks), rover Tyrice Beverette (68) and LB Noah McGinty (66).
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