Colby comes back against Bowdoin to capture CBB Cup
In the last game of the season, family, friends, and community members flocked to the Harold Alfond Stadium to watch Colby fight for the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin (CBB) Cup under the lights on Saturday, Nov. 13. The CBB is a trophy given annually to the team that remains undefeated against the two other NESCAC schools in Maine.
This was the first evening game in Colby history, and 16 seniors were honored for their last game before the game began.
Both the Mules and Polar Bears failed to gain momentum in the first half. Colby opened the game on a quick three-and-out to punt to Bowdoin, who did not complete a single pass on their ten-play drive. Colby’s defense shut out Bowdoin, tackling well and breaking up passes, but the offense did not convert a single first down in the first quarter.
In the second half, the Mules gained some yardage using their running back duo of Keon Smart `25 and Devin Marrocco `22, but they still failed to advance into Bowdoin territory. Bowdoin had some solid drives, but the Colby defense, led by Nick Donatio `24, contained Bowdoin’s offense.
With one minute left in the second quarter, Bowdoin received great field position at the Colby 35-yard line and gained 21 more yards before being stopped to bring up a fourth down. Bowdoin decided to take the field goal from the 29-yard line. Their kicker converted the field goal with 16 seconds remaining on the clock for the half.
Bowdoin kicked off the second half with a punt to Colby, who then returned it for 19 yards before fumbling the ball to Bowdoin at Colby’s 20-yard line. Bowdoin then pulled off a short completion to set up a 34-yard kick which their kicker failed to convert.
In the third quarter, both teams adjusted their offenses to get points on the scoreboard. Bowdoin came out firing, marching down the field with a balanced offensive attack towards the red zone. With six minutes left on the clock, Bowdoin’s Andre Eden made a two-yard rush to score the first touchdown of the game.
The Mules immediately responded with multiple short-yardage rush plays before quarterback Matt Hersch `22 connected with his receiver Brendan Sawyer `25 for a 19-yard gain into Bowdoin territory for the first time. The offense stayed steady behind Smart and receiver Matt Panker `23. They continued to advance on the field, capping off the quarter with a 76-yard drive and an epic touchdown run made by Donovan Ganges `23 to end the third.
With Bowdoin still up in the final quarter, Colby’s defense made it difficult for Bowdoin to score. The Mules put pressure on the Polar Bears’ quarterback and successfully tackled him for a loss, forcing a punt on the first drive of the quarter.
Hersch then took possession and strung together a series of completed, first down passes to his receivers and running backs, advancing to Bowdoin’s 15-yard line. Hersch finished the drive himself and scored a rushing touchdown to take the lead.
Bowdoin’s drive started at their 36-yard line, where they gained one yard before defensive back Joshua East `25 picked off Bowdoin’s quarterback with three minutes left in the game. The crowd erupted as Colby took over in scoring range, looking to end the game.
Marrocco gained several yards on the ground before Hersch split Bowdoin’s defenders and sped his way into the endzone for his second touchdown of the night.
Bowdoin took a few more shots deep downfield, but they were unsuccessful, as East made the last tackle of the game. The clock ran to zero as the Mules led a historic comeback game, scoring 21 unanswered points in the second half to win the game, 21-10. Spectators immediately rushed the field to celebrate the victory with their team, who hoisted the CBB Cup in the air to end the night.
Colby finished their season with a 4-5 record and another CBB Cup in the trophy case.
Running back Justin Newman `24 reflected on the season and what is to come.
“[This season] was a huge step forward for us. We definitely struggled a lot, and there were definitely a few games we could have won, but we rallied in the end, came out with a huge win against Bowdoin” he said. “We will continue to get better and look to get a winning record for next season.”
~ Julian Cangieter-Hernandez `25
