ORONO — Villanova University’s offensive and defensive lines set a physical tone Saturday afternoon, paving the way for the Wildcats’ 35-14 Colonial Athletic Association football victory over the University of Maine.
The Black Bears had trouble containing a balanced Wildcat offense that featured the running of Kevin Monangai, who piiled up 192 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries.
Villanova (4-1, 2-0 CAA) also implemented an efficient passing game directed by quarterback John Robertson, who completed 11 of 16 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.
UMaine (1-3, 0-1 CAA) was unable to move the ball consistently against the Wildcats, who racked up seven sacks of Marcus Wasilewski. When all was said and done, the junior quarterback established career bests for completions (31) and passing yards (409), but threw for only one score and was intercepted twice.
Norman White led the Villanova receivers corps with four catches for 51 yards and a TD, while Ronnie Akins spearheaded the defense with eight tackles.
Senior wideout Maurice McDonald made 10 receptions for 93 yards to top UMaine receivers, while Rickey Stevens netted 34 yards among the Bears’ 11 net rushing yards.
Cornerback Kendall James and linebacker Donte Dennis paced the UMaine defense with 10 and nine tackles, respectively. Axel Ofori forced a fumble and Doug Alston came up with an interception.
Villanova led 21-7 at halftime, then put the pressure on by scoring on its opening drive of the third quarter. Robertson’s 10-yard TD run made it a three-score advantage and forced the Bears to start throwing more often.
They would scratch out only one second-half score, on a 69-yard hookup between Wasilewski and Arthur Williams, while Villanova tacked on
The Wildcats had jumped on the Bears for 21 first-quarter points en route to a 21-7 halftime advantage.
Villanova scored on its first, third and fifth possessions of the contest. The visitors put UMaine on its heels from the outset.
The Wildcats raced 74 yards on only five plays, including Robertson’s 27-yard scoring toss down the left sideline to Norman White. Villanova led 7-0 with less than two minutes gone.
UMaine responded with its only scoring drive of the half, bolting 76 yards on five plays. Wasilewski completed passes of 20 and 45 yards to Derrick Johnson and Rickey Stevens, respectively to set up Wasilewski’s 7-yard TD scramble.
Brian Harvey’s PAT made it 7-7 4:37 into the game.
Villanova went back in front after Shane Harris picked off a Wasilewski pass that went off the hands of Bears receiver Maurice McDonald. The Wildcats needed six plays to cover 49 yards, with Robertson throwing to a wide-open Joe Price for a 26-yard touchdown pass.
The PAT made it 14-7 with 4:56 left in the quarter.
The Wildcats got on the board again after the Bears failed to cash in on Alston’s interception. Brian Harvey’s 41-yard field-goal try was blocked by Rakim Cox.
Villanova went back on the march with a run-pass blend and racked up five first downs before Monangai carried 13 yards for a TD at the 9:51 mark.
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