ORONO — In the moments after the University of Maine football team defeated Weber State to advance to national semifinals for the first time in program history, the Black Bears’ head coach stood among his players in a crowded locker room. His voice cracking with emotion, he ended his postgame speech by saying, “I’ve got […]
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Posted inFootball, sj-web, Sports, Varsity Maine
Bruce Nicholas fired as Lewiston football coach
Lewiston High School head coach Bruce Nicholas runs practice during the first day of football practice in 2017. (Sun Journal file photo) Bruce Nicholas has been fired after four seasons as Lewiston’s football coach. Nicholas said he was informed of the move by athletic director Jason Fuller last Friday. “He met with me like he […]
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Posted inNational Sports
Patriots ‘on to Pittsburgh’ after stunning loss to Dolphins
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) gets ready to throw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Julian Edelman on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — More times than not, the sight of Rob Gronkowski approaching the end zone has signaled good things happening for the New […]
Posted inLocal Sports, sj-web
UMaine football facing another high-powered offense in FCS semifinals
Eastern Washington running back Sam McPherson, center, runs with the ball against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., in September. (AP file Photo/Young Kwak) For the second time in three weeks in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, the University of Maine is going to face one of the nation’s top offensive teams. The Black Bears […]
Posted inNational Sports, sj-web
What was Bill Belichick thinking on the final play of the 'Miami Miracle'?
Sometimes, a genius can outthink himself. That’s the consensus of some of Bill Belichick’s former players after the New England Patriots coach came up with the wrong strategy the team’s 34-33 “Miracle in Miami” loss Sunday. “Coach Belichick outsmarted himself having Rob Gronkowski on the field for a 70-yard Hail Mary and keeping his best […]
Posted inLocal Sports, sj-web
Once overlooked in own conference, UMaine football one of four teams still standing in FCS playoffs
Maine running back Ramon Jefferson (8) runs the ball in the first half of Friday’s FCS quarterfinal against Weber State University at Stewart Stadium in Ogden, Utah. (Matt Herp/Standard-Examiner) The University of Maine football team has gone from an afterthought in its own league to one of the final four teams standing in the NCAA […]
Posted inLocal Sports
FINAL FOUR-BOUND: UMaine football holds off Weber State to reach FCS semifinals for first time
Maine quarterback Chris Ferguson (14) is sacked by Weber State’s Adam Rodriguez (9) during the second half of the Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinal Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Ogden, Utah. (Matt Herp/Standard-Examiner via AP) OGDEN, Utah — Chris Ferguson threw for two touchdowns, Ramon Jefferson ran for a late fourth-quarter score and the Maine defense […]
Posted inLocal Sports, sj-web
‘Top Flight’ UMaine receivers helping offense fly high
Maine’s Earnest Edwards stretches for the goal line as he scores a touchdown against New Hampshire earlier this season. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Portland Press Herald) ORONO — They call themselves “Top Flight.” And it’s a fitting name for the University of Maine’s wide receivers because they make the Black Bears’ offense fly. Maine’s identity has been […]
Posted inNational Sports
Patriots defense again making strides at the right time
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — For each of the past two seasons, the identity of the Patriots defense didn’t become clear until late in the year. Both times the group had stumbles early, followed by steady improvement. Those leaps were aided at least in part by the increased contributions of newcomers or role players that previously […]
Posted insj-web, Varsity Maine
H.S. football: Dirigo's Gorham named a Fitzpatrick Trophy semifinalist
Despite having his helmet ripped off, resulting in a 15-yard penalty against Gray New-Gloucester, Dirigo’s Alex Gorham continues to drive forward as whistles blow to stop play during a football game in Dixfield in September. (Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal File Photo) The 12 semifinalists for the Fitzpatrick Trophy were announced Wednesday, and Alex Gorham of Dirigo […]