MILTON, Mass. – Maine Maritime Academy fell in their season finale to NEFC rival Curry College, 28-23 on Saturday afternoon.

Jacob Doolan (Fairfield, Maine) paced the Mariner offense once again with a game high 131 rushing yards on 18 carries and one touchdown. Junior quarterback Michael Fahey (Union, Conn.) amassed 91 rushing yards on 16 carries, while freshman fullback James Ferrar (Cumberland, Maine) contributed 70 yards on the ground on 14 attempts with one touchdown.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Mariners struck first just nine seconds into the second quarter, finishing off a nine-play, 47-yard drive with a two-yard run by Ferrar. Curry answered back and scored on a four-play, 56-yard drive, capped off with a five-yard pass from quarterback Mike O'Hearn to Dave DiGiorgi. The Colonels scored one more time in the first half, using a 17-play, 87-yard drive that was finished off with another passing touchdown from O'Hearn, this time to freshman Lucas Poteau. Curry entered the break with a 13-7 advantage.

Curry capitalized on their first possession of the third quarter, driving 56 yards on five plays to score on a 41-yard pitch and catch from O'Hearn to Cawlina. Four minutes later, Doolan capped off a 57-yard drive for Maine Maritime with a four-yard touchdown run, his eighth of the season, pulling the visitors to within 20-13.

Five minutes into the fourth quarter, the Mariners finished a quick 42-yard drive on four plays with a 27- yard pass from senior quarterback Bradley Reed (Belfast, Maine) to freshman receiver Jordan Susi (South Portland, Maine). Reed also ran in from the two-yard line for a two-point conversion giving Maine Maritime a 21-20 lead with 10 minutes remaining in regulation.

With eight minutes to go, the Colonels scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown when O'Hearn connected with Jake Cawlina from four yards out. O'Hearn found Anthony Nastasi in the end zone for a two-point conversion and a 28-21 lead.

Over the final four minutes of the game, both teams fumbled the ball away, with the Mariners taking over at their own 41 with 3:04 to play. The Mariners' drive came to a halt when Devin Williams picked off Reed at his own two-yard line. Curry ran out the clock, eventually taking a safety as time expired to secure the 28-23 victory.

Defensively, Maine Maritime was led by junior linebacker Alex Gamester (Kittery, Maine) with nine total tackles (all solo). Teammate Michael Burgess (North Yarmouth, Maine) was right behind with seven total tackles, a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Curry's offense was led by O'Hearn with career highs in passing yards (320), completions (30), attempts (45) and passing touchdowns (4). Sophomore receiver DiGiorgi made nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, and Cawlina pulled in eight receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns. 

On the defensive side of the ball, Williams led the game with 15 total tackles (13 solo), one sack, one fumble recovery, and the late interception. Senior Parrish Rogers-Reed had 14 total tackles (13 solo), two sacks, a fumble recovery and 3.5 tackles for losses totaling 12 yards. 

The Mariners wrap up their 2014 season at 3-6 overall and 2-5 in the New England Football Conference. Curry finished their season going 3-0 in their final three games, to go 3-7 overall and 3-4 in the NEFC.