Yoder’s injury mars Tribe’s dominant win at home

WILLIAMSBURG — Bronson Yoder rushed for 163 yards to lead No. 5 William & Mary to a 28-3 win over Maine on a rainy Saturday at Zable Stadium.

In the process, the Tribe could possibly lose Yoder, its leading rusher, for an undetermined amount of time. With 9:09 remaining in the game, on his 25th and final carry, the senior back took a hit that left him motionless on the field. As concerned players and fans watched in silence, the medical team got Yoder onto a backboard, and then a stretcher, where he was placed into an ambulance, which had driven on the field during the 10-minute delay.

The extent of his injury was not fully known at press time, but William & Mary coach Mike London gave what details he had after the game.

“We know that it’s an upperbody-type of injury,” said London. “After the X-rays and tests, we will know more about how he is after the next couple of hours.”

The top-ranked William and Mary defense will probably retain its ranking after holding the Black Bears to 138 yards (53 on the ground). Maine only converted three of 13 first downs.

“Those are pretty good numbers,” said London, sporting dog tags in honor of Military Appreciation Day, which was celebrated at the stadium.

The early play was as sloppy as the weather, as the rain restarted just before the opening kickoff. The Tribe defense was as stingy as always, but the Black Bears answered the challenge, stalling William & Mary on its first three drives. By not scoring on its opening drive, the Tribe broke its season streak of scoring on its first possession.

With just under three minutes left in the opening quarter, Yoder took matters into his own hands (and legs), getting the Tribe past midfield for the first time with a 45-yard sprint down the left sideline. Two plays later, Yoder moved