Waterville, Maine – The Colby Football team traveled to Amherst to play the Mammoths. They pulled out a 10-7 win in an absolute thriller to bring both of their seasons to 1-1.
Colby came into this game with a chip on their shoulder. Losing the last 22 matches against Amherst and coming off a rough loss in week one, this was the perfect opportunity to make a statement. Colby opened the game in what is becoming their usual fashion, with stout defense and a great three and out. Great defense turned into great offense as
Matt Hersch led his offense down the field with the help of
Devin Marrocco. He punched in a two-yard touchdown rush to make it 7-0 and top off an incredible 13 play 71-yard drive. The defense kept up the momentum, forcing another three and out and putting the ball right back in the hands of the Colby offense. The pace of the game slowed down significantly, as both teams went back and forth with unsuccessful drives.
After trading off punts in the second quarter, Amherst was able to move the ball downfield, getting inside the Colby 30.
Brett Holmes (headline photo) had no intention of letting the Mammoths score, though, as he picked off Amherst on fourth down, giving the Mules the football. Amherst quickly bounced back taking advantage of a short field after a good kick return. Kellen Field rushed in an eight-yard touchdown, tying the game up at 7-7.
Defense was the name of the game today as both defenses stifled the others' offensive opportunity.
Will Nipon and
Mark Kassis had eight tackles a piece, unwilling to take a play off or allow Amherst to gain any momentum.
The fourth quarter turned out to be a phenomenal battle between these two teams who, all game, did not let up on defense. Colby was able to break the pattern early in the quarter and capped off a nine play, 62-yard drive with a clutch 38-yard field goal from
Moises Celaya, regaining the lead and making the game 10-7. Amherst knocked on the door of the red zone a couple times but ended their next two drives with punts. The Mammoths received the ball one last time with a little over two minutes on the clock, marching down the field all the way into the Colby red zone. Amherst looked poised to score at least three and tie the game, but Holmes was able to pick off Amherst at the one-yard line for his second interception of the day, effectively ending the game and making the play of the day. Holmes and the whole Colby defense put on a masterclass performance.
In response to the victory, the Dick McGee Head Coach for Colby Football
Jack Cosgrove was very encouraged by the day's performance. "We are incredibly proud of the effort put forth today by our young men! Our Seniors were committed to ending this long winless streak against a great opponent. Our performance in the 4th was highlighted by our resiliency and play making ability, especially on the defensive side of the ball. This is an important win and big step forward for our program!"
The Mules were able to put it all together today and show everyone the team they can be. This was a season defining win and one Colby fans will remember for a long time. They look to keep up the momentum as they come back home to play Hamilton on October 2 at 1:00pm.
