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Maine Falls At No. 7 Youngstown State
Sept. 9, 2006
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) - Senior running back Arel Gordon totaled 202 all-purpose yards (139 rushing, 63 receiving), including a 75-yard touchdown run, but it wasn't enough as the University of Maine football team dropped a tough 34-14 decision to Youngstown State at Stambaugh Stadium. Maine held a 14-13 halftime lead, but the Penguins rallied with 21 unanswered points in the second half to pull out the win and improve to 2-0 on the season. The Black Bears dipped to 0-1 on the young campaign. After the Penguins went on top 6-0 midway through the first quarter, Maine responded on the first play on its next drive as Gordon ripped off the 75-yard scoring jaunt to stake Maine to a 7-6 edge. Youngstown State went back on top 13-7 late in the second quarter, but the Black Bears again answered with a touchdown of their own to take a 14-13 lead into the locker room at halftime. The touchdown this time came in the form of a 31-yard pass from Ron Whitcomb to Manzi Pierre on fourth down and 11. Whitcomb was an efficient 11-of-17 for 114 yards and the scoring strike. He topped 7,000 yards passing for his career and became just the fourth quarterback in program history to accomplish the feat. In addition to Gordon's 75-yard run, he also turned in a 33-yard reception and carries of 11, 10, 12 and 12 yards, all in the second quarter. Maine could not hold onto its lead however, as YSU scored twice in the third quarter and once in the fourth to earn the win.
Maine defensive backs Daren Stone and Lionel Nixon Jr. each intercepted a pass. The pick was the first of Nixon's career. Sophomore free safety Jonathan Calderon led Maine with a career-high 11 tackles.
GAME NOTES Manzi Pierre's touchdown catch was the first reception of his career ... Arel Gordon's 75-yard scoring run was the longest rush of his career ... Ron Whitcomb topped the 7,000-yard plateau for career passing yards, becoming the fourth quarterback in program history to accomplish the feat. |
