CASTINE, Maine — The Maine Maritime Academy football team put together a two-touchdown third quarter, highlighted by a pair of rushing scores from junior running back
Auston Harris, but the Mariners fell to New England College, 17-14, on Saturday at Ritchie Field.
After being held scoreless through the first half, Maine Maritime (0-7, 0-4 North Atlantic Conference) found its footing after the break. Harris scored on an 8-yard run with 11:53 remaining in the third quarter to put the Mariners on the board. Following a New England College kickoff-return touchdown, Harris broke free for a 52-yard rushing score with 6:42 left in the quarter, bringing Maine Maritime even at 14-14.
The Mariners' defense kept the game within reach, limiting New England College to 245 total yards. Maine Maritime recorded 82 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Junior defensive back
Lucas Houghton led the Mariners with 12 tackles, including nine assisted stops, and recovered a fumble. Junior linebacker
Matt Gagin and sophomore linebacker
Connor Cuba each added 10 tackles. Cuba also recorded a tackle for loss, forced a fumble and broke up a pass, while sophomore linebacker
Theo Blanke finished with 10 tackles and three tackles for loss.
Offensively, Harris paced the Mariners with 119 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries, including his 52-yard scoring run. Maine Maritime finished with 264 yards of total offense, including 154 rushing yards and 110 passing yards.
Freshman quarterback
Harris Stone completed 12 of 21 passes for 110 yards. Senior wide receiver
Ty Regis caught four passes for 36 yards, while sophomore running back
Jack Austin added four receptions for 31 yards. Senior wide receiver
Noah Grass hauled in a 20-yard reception.
Maine Maritime had an opportunity to get on the scoreboard before halftime, but a 22-yard field-goal attempt was blocked with two seconds remaining in the second quarter. The Mariners finished with 16 first downs and held possession for 24 minutes, 8 seconds.
The Mariners return to action at home on Saturday against No. 10 Endicott College beginning at noon.
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