Waterville, Maine – The Mules held off a late comeback from Bates to secure a 21-19 victory Saturday evening at Harold Alfond Stadium.
The Mules opened the game with a 15 play, 73 yard drive that consumed nearly 10 minutes of the first quarter. Quarterback Jagger Matera connected with Jack Nye for an eight yard touchdown to give Colby an early 7-0 lead. After Bates narrowed the deficit with a field goal, Matera found Nye again for a 34 yard touchdown, extending Colby's advantage to 14-3 at halftime.
Colby continued its momentum in the third quarter when Antone Moreis scored on a one yard rushing touchdown, putting the Mules ahead 21-3. Bates responded with 16 unanswered points, cutting the deficit to 21-19 with 4:45 remaining. The Bobcats attempted a two point conversion to tie the game, but Colby's defense stopped the pass attempt to preserve the lead. The Mules delivered another crucial fourth down stop with 1:17 remaining, allowing them to run out the clock.
Nye led Colby's receiving attack with five catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns, while Matera threw for 122 yards and rushed for another 49. Chrishon Capra-Hobbs led the ground game with 73 rushing yards.
Defensively, Caleb Parsons Gomes recorded a team high 10 tackles, while Owen Haight added nine tackles and 1.5 sacks. Drew Ramos contributed an interception, and Brody Rice forced and recovered a fumble to help secure the victory.
The Mules will return to action on Saturday, November 7, when they host the Tufts Jumbos at Harold Alfond Stadium in Waterville, Maine. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
