UNE football easily beats MMA for 1st win of season
Maine Collegiate Football Week Highlights: Unearthing Powerhouses and Underdogs
By Maine News Now
The past weekend saw a mix of decisive blowouts and tense finishes across New England’s college gridiron. From the University of New England’s explosive offense in Biddeford to a dramatic last‑second touchdown in Waterville, teams jostled for conference standings and pride.
University of New England overwhelms Maine Maritime Academy
In a Saturday afternoon showdown in Biddeford, the University of New England (UNE) piled up 399 yards of offense, shutting out the Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) 62‑14. The Pilgrims’ offense sputtered early, while UNE’s ground attack dominated.
- Damien Jones – 6 rushes, 95 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Nathan Delgado – 84 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Gavin Martin – 81 yards, 1 touchdown
- Jack Lambert (QB) – 4 completions on 5 attempts, 63 yards, 1 touchdown
On the defensive side, MMA’s quarterback Harris Stone threw for 176 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, while running back Auston Harris added 119 yards on 12 carries. UNE’s 62‑point haul marked its second win in five games (1‑5 overall, 1‑2 in the Conference of New England).
Housson climbs back with a 42‑0 rout of New England College
The Housson Eagles, led by a stellar rushing performance from Daniel Ruiz Cantu, demolished the New England College Pilgrims (0‑6, 0‑3 in conference) in Henniker, New Hampshire. Cantu rushed for 157 yards and a trio of touchdowns, turning the Eagles’ 2‑4 season record (2‑1 in the Conference of New England) into a solid second‑straight win.
Anthony Santacroce also contributed with 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Brody Gibson completed 11 of 15 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. New England College managed only 71 yards of offense, and Housson held the Pilgrims to five first downs.
Amherst snaps a losing streak against Colby
Amherst College, undefeated (5‑0) at the time, secured a 21‑15 victory over the Colby Mules (0‑4) in a NESCAC match held in Waterville. Late in the fourth quarter, Marek Hill completed a 4‑yard touchdown pass to Michael Dunmore with just 24 seconds left, sealing the win. Hill also ran in a 1‑yard touchdown earlier in the quarter, narrowing the score to 15‑13 before the final play.
Colby began the game with a 42‑yard field goal by Avi Gotshalk and a safety, but the Mules extended the lead to 12‑0 in the second quarter via a 12‑yard pass from Jack Matera to Jack Nye. A 22‑yard field goal by Gotshalk in the final seconds kept the score from becoming a blowout, but the Mules could not close the gap.
Hamilton dominates Bowdoin
The Hamilton Continentals (1‑4) opened a 17‑point lead to defeat the Bowdoin Bobcats (0‑5) 26‑7 in Brunswick. Connor Laverty scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, while Carmelo Velardo added a 38‑yard field goal before halftime. Velardo’s kicking barrage continued into the second half with 32‑, 27‑, and 37‑yard field goals.
Bowdoin’s only points came from a 23‑yard touchdown reception by Michael Wolfendale from quarterback Soren Hummel in the third quarter.
Wesleyan tops Bates in Connecticut
The Wesleyan Cardinals (5‑0) outclassed the Bates Bobcats (0‑5) 34‑8 in Middletown, Connecticut, controlling the game from start to finish.
- Matt Fitzsimons (QB) – 19 completions on 33 attempts, 243 yards, 1 touchdown
- Matt Diaz (RB) – 20 carries for 105 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Ryan Foley (Bates) – 6‑yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter
The Cardinals limited Bates to just 142 yards of total offense, a testament to their defensive scheme.
Looking Ahead
The week’s results will reshape conference standings. UNE’s dominant performance keeps them in the middle of the Conference of New England pack, while Housson’s win offers hope for a turnaround. Amherst, still undefeated, continues to press its advantage, and Hamilton’s early lead against Bowdoin could signal a resurgence.
Maine’s college football scene remains vibrant, with teams adjusting strategies, injuries, and momentum swings. Fans can look forward to a competitive next week as each squad battles to improve their record and climb the rankings.
