By Andrew Knoblauch

Injuries ultimately cost the Hofstra Pride a high-scoring football game against Colonial Athletic Conference opponent Maine Black Bears.

The Pride, who lost the game in overtime 41-40, got hit by the injury bug at the most important position on the field for the second time this season.

Cory Christopher, the starting quarterback for the team, went down late in the second quarter with a hamstring injury, and freshman Steve Probst was forced to take control of the offense.

The Pride, who were led by fellow freshman Brock Jackolski in the previous game, were now completely in the hands of Probst. Jackolski left the game with a sore hip at halftime and did not return. Probst, who earned the Doc Snyder award last season at Farmingdale High School, threw for three touchdowns.

He was sporadic at times, with several passes missing the target by several feet. Despite the jitters, he finished the game 14-20 and threw for 135 yards. and also rushed for 63 yards.

It was the redshirt freshman’s first game of his collegiate career and one with great importance regarding postseason play in the Colonial.

Helping the transition to the college game for Probst were receivers Ottis Lewis and Aaron Weaver.

Lewis recorded a career-high mark with nine receptions totaling 77 yards. Weaver also had 77 yards on seven receptions and one touchdown.

The Pride return home on Saturday, which is Family Weekend at Hofstra University. It will be the first game at James M. Shuart stadium in more than a month when the Pride derailed Rhode Island in overtime.

They will face conference foe Delaware, the Joe Flacco led Blue Hens defeated the Pride two seasons ago 10-6.

Questions remain as to who will be the starting quarterback for the Pride.

Brock Jackolski has taken on the role of feature back over the last few weeks. He left the game early last week. (Sean Gates)