Williamstown, Mass. - The Colby College Football team entered the Farley-Lamb Field today looking to settle the score. A tough defeat on their last visit to Williamstown lit a fire for the Mules as they showed promise in their opening season game. Back and fourth action in the second half saw Colby barely fall to the Ephs as Williams held on to win 22-25.
The first quarter was a defensive battle, pitting both teams deep in their own halves. A punt by Williams late in the quarter was blocked by
Brendan Sawyer, setting the Mules offense up for a quick touchdown, punched in by running back,
Locksley Burke. Colby's defense stayed resilient into the second quarter as a 4th down and 1 attempt at the Williams 34 yard line was smothered by senior defensive lineman,
Andrew Iferenta. A second turnover inside their opponents half was a gift to the offense as
Miles Drake completed to
Matt McHugh for an 18 yard touchdown to double the lead, 14-0. However, Williams immediately stormed back out with life. Their successive 74 and 45 yard drives took them right back into the game, but a blocked field goal and failed two point conversion on respective drives saw the Mules take a 14-12 lead into the break.
Williams carried their momentum into the second half, punching in a 5 minute drive, but again failing to convert a two point conversion. The quarter remained stagnant into the final moments when an interception from Drake set up a Williams touchdown to extend their lead to 11. The Mules came back out desperately needing a big offensive quarter as they entered the fourth trailing 14-25. A missed Williams field goal gave Colby the ball back, igniting an electrifying 70 yard play as Drake found McHugh downfield. From the Williams 8, Sawyer spun his way into the endzone to conclude a 4 play, 82 yard drive for the Mules. The tension packed fourth quarter escalated with another huge stop from the defense, giving the ball back to the Mules with 5:24 to go. From the Colby 30, Drake torched the Williams defense putting together 5 plays for 40 yards, until an incomplete pass on fourth down ended Colby's comeback.
Heading home after coming so close will sting, but the Mules were competitive throughout, showing promise for the season. On the defensive end, Colby struggled in the second half yet nothing but praise should be heaped on their shoulders as they kept the game tight with multiple crucial turnovers and stops. Looking to the offense, Drake had a career day, connecting 22 of 32 for 245 yards, with a large chunk of those finding prime target McHugh, as he tallied 8 receptions and one touchdown for 160 yards.
This Saturday in Waterville, look out for an enticing affair as Colby looks to bounce back in their home opener against the 2022 NESCAC champions, the Trinity Bantams.
