Maine

Jovantae Barnes continues late-season rhythm, explodes against Maine

Published

1 year ago

November 2, 2024

Jovantae Barnes continues late-season rhythm, explodes against Maine

NORMAN — Oklahoma appeared on the brink of a disaster on disaster on Saturday.

The Sooners’ offense started the game with a five-play, 12-yard drive that included just one first down before they were forced to punt. Maine promptly took possession and drove straight down against Oklahoma’s defense with an eight-play, 69-yard touchdown.

In a game against an FCS opponent that the Sooners were favored to win by 35, they trailed 7-0 at the 7:59 mark of the first quarter. Out of nowhere, the Sooners needed a spark.

That’s where Jovantae Barnes stepped up.

On the first play of the ensuing drive, Barnes took the first-down carry for 74 yards to the one-yard line. Two plays later, he punched into the end zone to tie the game at 7-7.

“I still think (that big run) was a touchdown,” Barnes joked after the game. “They might say different. But it felt good to break one and just celebrate with my guys.”

That play — and Barnes’ performance — proved pivotal in helping the Sooners establish control en route to a 59-14 win over the Black Bears.

That run was just the beginning for Barnes, as he operated as the offensive fulcrum the entire day. By halftime, he turned 11 carries into 158 yards — the most by an OU running back in a half since 2014 — and two touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards per carry.

In addition to the 74-yard run, Barnes had rushes of 29 and 15 yards, respectfully, and also caught a pass for 19 yards as he injected a big-play factor that’s been missing for the Sooners all year. He kept that up in the third quarter, scoring on a 19-yard touchdown where he made defenders miss as he reached the edge and found the end zone.

Even without playing the fourth quarter, Barnes had himself an outing: 18 carries, 203 yards (11.2 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.

Not only was it a career-best performance, he also became the first OU player to run for more over 100 yards this season. It was something to celebrate for Barnes, who struggled all of last season with injuries.

“Really proud of him and (how he) continued to come back and work hard and just being on a mission, if you will,” OU coach Brent Venables said. “And it’s a great example for the other players. Everybody learns from that. And all that matters is what you do moving forward. And things are gonna happen, and you’re gonna have to overcome some things, and certainly he did that and (was) frustrated with being injured and not being able to get into a rhythm a year ago. But last year doesn’t have to have anything to do with this year.

“And so he just put his head down and created opportunity for himself, made the most of the opportunity when he’s gotten in and he’s just really excelled and has really taken off.”

But Barnes’ performance against Maine wasn’t just a flash in the pan. As the Sooners’ offense has struggled all season, Barnes has given OU something resembling consistency. In the two games leading up to Maine, Barnes recorded over 200 total yards and rushed for over 4.0 yards per carry.

Those performances have helped OU find something in the running game, which ranked 110th nationally coming into the game. Adjusting for sacks, the Sooners rushed for 207 yards last week against on over four yards a carry last week against a stout Ole Miss defense. They finished with 381 rushing yards on 7.3 yards per carry against the Black Bears.

Things appear to be pointing in the right direction for the Sooners’ running game, and Barnes is a key reason why.

“I said it last week, I thought he ran super physical last week,” OU quarterback Jackson Arnold said. “Obviously had a bunch of yards in the receiving game last week, too. And today for him and for his confidence, I think this was tremendous for him.”

The Sooners have needed Barnes as things have sputtered. The Sooners have scored just 61 offensive points in their five conference games, and they were without three starting offensive lineman — Jacob Sexton, Jake Taylor and Michael Tarquin — against Maine. The wide receiver room has been decimated by injuries.

But in the middle of it has been Barnes, who has been fighting to keep the offense afloat. On the season, he has 577 rushing yards on 4.7 yards per carry and has played the seventh-most snaps on the offense.

“It all starts at practice,” Barnes said. ” think that’s my biggest thing and I’ve been trying to do better at that and also go watch extra tape and make sure I see things that maybe other people won’t see. I think I’ve been doing a good job with that. Just meeting with (OU running backs coach DeMarco Murray, meeting with (offensive analyst) Nick Basquine, just making sure I do extra things for myself because I know it’s gonna help and I know the type of player I am.”

Considering the Sooners had lost three straight games by double digits, they simply needed a win and to show something they can build on heading into a grueling three-game stretch to end the year. It appeared the running game had found some momentum last week, and it continued growing against Maine.

Barnes had been heating up and then exploded against the Black Bears. If the Sooners hope to end their season on a positive note, it’s going to have to start with the guy who’s been their most consistent player this season.

“I think we all as a group have just been building more confidence,” Barnes said. “I let those guys know I’m gonna give you my all and I want this to be the best group at the end of the day. I want this to be the group that goes out there and executes every time we get the ball or even when we don’t have the ball. I think we’ve been doing a good job of that, just going out there doing our job. We just have to bring it all together as a team and as an offense to execute.”

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Maine

18 jaw-dropping views from Katahdin to help you plan for warmer weather

Published

2 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

18 jaw-dropping views from Katahdin to help you plan for warmer weather

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in September 2022.

When it comes to Maine hiking, summiting Katahdin is the ultimate achievement.

Maine’s tallest mountain stands at 5,269 feet, and there are a number of different trails hikers can take to get up and down Katahdin. And while some are harder than others, none are easy.

But the views are incredible.

Whether it’s the rugged terrain of the Knife Edge or the vast landscape of the 200,000 acres that compose Baxter State Park below, here’s a look at what it’s like to climb Katahdin.

Hunt Trail

Hunt Trail traces the edge of a ridge on the west side of Katahdin known as Hunt Spur. Credit: Aislinn Sarnacki / BDN

Katahdin Stream Falls is one of the many scenic highlights of Katahdin’s Hunt Trail. It’s located about a mile from the trailhead at Katahdin Stream Campground. Credit: Aislinn Sarnacki / BDN

Abol Trail

Chimney Pond Trail

Cathedral Trail

Saddle Trail

Northwest Basin Trail

Knife Edge

Hikers on the Knife Edge of Katahdin have few options for getting off trail to relieve themselves of human waste. Above treeline, Leave No Trace principles recommend planning ahead to avoid the necessity of going to the bathroom in fragile alpine areas, or getting off trail as far as possible to relieve themselves on rock or gravel. Credit: Courtesy of Brad Viles

Tablelands

South Peak

Hamlin Peak

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Maine

Maine Township Residents OK Purchase Of Building For Food Pantry – Journal & Topics Media Group

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Maine Township Residents OK Purchase Of Building For Food Pantry – Journal & Topics Media Group

Maine Township residents vote in support of purchasing building for the relocation of the township food pantry.

A proposal for Maine Township to purchase a building at 9850 Milwaukee Ave. in Glenview to move its popular and growing food pantry received strong approval at the township’s Annual Meeting held last week at the Town Hall on Ballard Road.
More than 100 residents attended the meeting where they approved buying the property for $1,429,000. The 3,000 sq. ft. building, which is located within the township, had been the home of a local restaurant. It is currently vacant.
In March, Supervisor Kim Jones explained that the food pantry needs more space for food and to accommodate clients who need food. “We’ve totally outgrown it,” said Jones at the time. “We’ve been looking for more than a year.”
Following last week’s meeting, Jones said about the vote, “That magical moment really encapsulated the strong support system that’s been built from neighbors helping neighbors throughout our community. The food pantry has grown in leaps and bounds throughout the last five years thanks to the dedicated work of its staff, volunteers and the public.”
Des Plaines City Clerk Dominik Bronakowski served as ceremonial moderator for the event.
Jones also recognized a number of employees and officials who currently serve the township. They included Assessor Susan Moylan-Krey and MaineStay Youth and Family Services Director Richard Lyon for their 20 years of service to Maine. Assistant Director of MaineStreamers, Therese Tully was recognized for her 25 years of service.
The meeting also recognized former Des Plaines Self-Help Closet and Pantry Director Debbie Walusiak who was presented the Sgt. Karen Lader Good Citizen Award for her more than 20 years of service to the Des Plaines community.
“Debbie is an exceptional community leader and volunteer,” said township Clerk Pete Gialamas whose office runs the annual award program. “Her work with the Des Plaines community, particularly her leadership navigating the Self-Help Closet and Pantry’s 2020 move to a larger location in the midst of the COVID pandemic really shows the depth and resolve of that leadership and dedication to service.”
In 2011, the clerk’s office instituted the award in honor of Lader, a resident of Des Plaines and a 15-year veteran of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police who lost her battle with cancer in 2010. She was deeply involved with the township’s Neighborhood Watch program and active in Maine’s National Night Out Against Crime event held each August. She also worked on Special Olympics and animal rescue.

If you like this story, you can get a whole lot more practically every day of the week by subscribing to journal-topics.com. Click here to choose your preference of either print or online, or call 847-299-5511.

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Maine

Spring birding events are happening across Maine. Here’s where to go.

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Spring birding events are happening across Maine. Here’s where to go.

Now the fun begins, as many birds and quite a few birders return to Maine for the summer. It’s time to get organized.

Birding is generally a quiet, solitary pastime — a stroll in the park, a walk in the woods, a paddle in the marsh.

Penobscot Valley Audubon’s Neighborhood Bird Walks kick off May 6. There are 13 walks scheduled at birding hot spots in Greater Bangor throughout the month. These walks have been immensely popular since they began nine years ago.

The benefits are many. It’s a chance to walk with experienced local guides, finding birds you might otherwise overlook. You can start to associate specific species with their preferred habitats. It’s a great opportunity to learn and practice identification skills and gather tips from others. Many participants enjoy the social camaraderie of guided bird walks.

A Baltimore oriole perches in Maine. Spring birding events take advantage of the surge in returning species. Credit: Courtesy of Bob Duchesne

I will lead two of these morning walks and probably tag along on several others. I chuckle at how easy it is to find birds in May. I’ve done these same walks so many times over the years, I usually know where different species will be before I even arrive. It’s almost like cheating.

Penobscot Valley Audubon members have already received the walk schedule in the most recent newsletter. Nonmembers can find the schedule on the chapter website at pvc.maineudubon.org. The walks are free and open to all.

Morning bird walks are fun. But for a full weekend adventure, try a birding festival. There are four great festivals to choose from.

The Wings, Waves & Woods Festival occupies the third weekend of May. Most events occur in Stonington and Deer Isle. Highlights include a Sunday visit to the Atlantic puffin colony on Seal Island, preceded by a Saturday cruise around the islands outside Stonington Harbor. I’ll be one of the guides on both.

I must say I am particularly excited about the archipelago cruise. Last year was the first year we did it, and I was not prepared for how many winter seabirds were still loitering around the islands. The numbers and variety were astounding. This festival is ideal for seeing the overlap of Maine’s overwintering birds and newly arrived spring migrants, all on the same weekend.

A rose-breasted grosbeak perches in Maine. Migratory songbirds return in May, drawing birders to walks and festivals. Credit: Courtesy of Bob Duchesne

The Downeast Spring Birding Festival spans Memorial Day weekend. I’m awed, or maybe odd, to say I’ve been guiding for this festival ever since it began in 2003. Indeed, I led the very first walk of the first festival. That was amazing enough to convince me to keep doing it for the next 23 years.

Cobscook Institute coordinates the festival from its campus in Trescott. Events cover birding hotspots in Washington County, Campobello Island in New Brunswick and nearby offshore islands. Two different boats will visit two different puffin colonies over the weekend.

I might get an argument from the organizers of other festivals, but I personally think this one is the birdiest for two reasons. Memorial Day weekend is about the time the last returning migrants pass through Washington County, adding to the number of songbirds that have already established breeding territories for the summer. The Cobscook Bay area also has some of the most diverse habitat in the state, creating opportunities to see a wide variety of species in a relatively compact area.

The Acadia Birding Festival is the granddaddy of them all. Now in its 27th year, it’s the biggest of Maine’s festivals and attracts nationally recognized guides and speakers. It offers the advantage of birding in and around Acadia National Park.

The official dates for the festival are May 28-31, but three pre-festival trips are offered: one to Monhegan Island, one to Saddleback Mountain near Rangeley seeking the elusive Bicknell’s thrush and one to visit the puffins on Petit Manan, with a second post-festival trip to Petit Manan also available.

And now for something completely different: The Rangeley Birding Festival. The mountainous forests of western Maine host a different selection of bird species compared to the three coastal festivals. This is the realm of Canada jays, boreal chickadees, black-backed woodpeckers and that elusive Bicknell’s thrush.

By June 5-7, when this festival occurs, spring migration is over. Birds have settled into their nesting territories, where they can be predictably found. Very few organized events introduce birders to the boreal forest, so this festival has its own unique appeal.

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