Colby Football battles hard against top-ranked Trinity

This past Saturday, Oct. 23, Colby’s Football Team faced off against the  top ranked and undefeated Trinity College in a highly anticipated contest. Under a cold, overcast sky the Mules came out of the gates fired up and ready to prove a point to the rest of the NESCAC.

In the early drives, the Mules shut down Trinity’s passing attack. Defenders broke up passes and solid tackles prevented Trinity receivers and runningbacks from gaining any yards after the catch.

Defensive back Will Nipon `22 set the tone with four tackles in Trinity’s first drive and great coverage of Trinity receivers.

Colby’s offense took over after the defensive hold but struggled to get anything going. Two dropped passes and no rushing attempts led to a three and out on the Mules’ first drive.

Receiving the ball again after a quick Trinity three and out, Colby’s offense found their groove and used a balance pass and run game to keep the chains moving.

Quarterback Matt Hersch `21 used his active feet to avoid pressure and find weak spots in the defense, running for big yards and finding his receivers, Nuri Robinson `25 and Jack Sawyer `25. Runningback Keon Smart `25 found over a third of his carries during this drive, juking defenders and finishing off the impressive 86 yard drive with a nice 12 yard touchdown run.

Unfortunately, Colby could not convert on the extra point; the start of their kicking woes for the rest of the contest.

Colby ended the quarter with Locksley Burke’s `25 huge hit on the Trinity running back who fumbled and failed to recover the ball.

The Mules started the second quarter failing a yard short to convert a fourth down in deep Trinity territory after Trinity’s turnover. The defense continued to be a factor, preventing Trinity from gaining any yardage  and forcing a punt after a short possession.

Advancing through the passing and running games, Colby’s offense converted first downs and made their way inside Trinity’s 10 yard line with two 20 yard plays by Smart and Hersch. Smart finished the drive with a short touchdown run to put Colby up 12-0.

After the touchdown, Trinity’s offense marched down and made it to Colby’s ten yard line only to be stopped by the defense. A big defensive hold on fourth down and one fired up the coaches and the crowd.

Heading into the half with all the momentum, Colby’s coaches and players energetically screamed at one another with pride and urgency to keep applying pressure in the second half.

However, coming into the third quarter, both teams’ offenses stalled. Trinity forced Colby to a first drive three and out and Trinity quickly punted after this. Colby couldn’t convert on its second drive and Trinity began to make adjustments. 

A series of short completions by Trinity’s quarterback opened for a 30 yard pass and a passing touchdown quickly followed.

After their first score, Trinity forced a fumble on a Colby run and made easy work of great field possession with another touchdown.

A 14 point turnaround gave Trinity all the momentum and they capitalized upon it. Colby strung together a solid drive that ended in a missed field goal, and Trinity began to dominate. 

Scoring 26 unanswered in the fourth quarter and 36 in the second half, Colby’s offense stalled and its defense broke down under Trinity’s attacking game. Missed tackles and blown defensive coverages allowed Trinity to run all over the Mules.

Ending the game, Colby’s offensive line gave in to Trinity’s pressure as Hersch was sacked and gave up a fumble.

Heading into next week’s matchup against Bates, the Mules must do a better job of converting kicking opportunities and continue to play hard through all four quarters.

~ Julian Cangieter-Hernandez ’25