Waterville, Maine – The Colby Mules were able to defeat Middlebury at home 28-14 behind four second-half touchdowns, improving to 2-3 on the season.  Middlebury falls to 1-4.
 
Colby came into this game refocused after losses at the hands of Hmailton and Williams. The Middlebury offense started off hot, putting together an 11-play, 75-yard drive to open the game. They capped off the drive with a touchdown to make it 7-0 early. The Colby defense really picked it up the rest of the first half, though. EJ Brister and Nick Donatio both totaled nine tackles, leading the defense for the Mules. Colby was able to make it all the way to the Middlebury 1-yard line at the end of the first, but the Middlebury defense made three straight stops to keep the lead.
 
Middlebury opened the second quarter with a long drive into the Colby red zone, but the Mules were able to stop them on fourth down to stay within a touchdown. Middlebury was two-for-six on fourth down conversions on the day.  The teams traded short drives the rest of the half and Colby went into the locker room down seven.
 
Colby started the second half with a strong six-play 75-yard drive led by Devin Marrocco, who was responsible for five carries on the possession and the touchdown to tie the game. Colby quickly forced a three and out and a punt. Will Nipon was able to return the punt 51 yards to the Middlebury 28, putting the Mules in great position to score again. Keon Smart punched in the touchdown, giving Colby a 14-7 lead.
 
Middlebury didn't give up and scored early in the fourth to make the game 14-14. The tie game did not last long, though. Matt Hersch connected with Jack Sawyer for a 60-yard touchdown, making it 21-14. Middlebury was able to get right back into Colby territory, getting inside the Colby 10. The defense stayed strong and stopped them on fourth down to get the ball back in the hands of the offense. It only took two plays for Hersch to effectively end the game, connecting with Matt Panker for an 89-yard touchdown. Middlebury got back into the red zone once, but Colby was able to make another fourth down stop.
 
Colby looked elite in the second half and were able to make some electrifying plays. When it all comes together this team is incredibly strong. They look to ride the momentum as they play Trinity at home Saturday, October 23 at 1 pm.