On Oct. 31, the Colby football team delivered a close 21–19 victory over Bates College on Seaverns Field right here at the College. This success secured the eighth consecutive win over the Bobcats in the ongoing Colby-Bates-Bowdoin (CBB) series.
The football team used an early offensive strategy and then strengthened their defensive play further into the game. Colby opened the scoring in the first quarter with a touchdown, giving the Mules a 7–0 lead. Going into halftime, the team led 14–3 after scoring another touchdown, along with Bates landing a field goal. As the third quarter ended, Colby continued their advantage with a third touchdown, making the score 21–10. Colby’s defense held in the final minutes, sealing a 21–19 victory.
Interim head coach and offensive coordinator Mark Clements explained that the coaching staff focused on self-assessing and returning to their foundational principles during the practices leading up to the game. “We brought it back to a pre-season camp mentality,” Clements said, “How much better can we get each rep, and what does that look like at the end of each day? Focus on that, and the outcomes will take care of themselves.”
Clements and the staff made a joint effort to emphasize the deep history of the CBB rivalry to the athletes. “We made a point to illustrate the importance, tradition, and legacy of the CBB and what that means to our players, alumni, and community,” Clements said. “The players took it upon themselves to embrace and permeate that message.”
The importance and meaning of the game manifested on the field. After Colby’s opening touchdown, Bates took over near midfield at the 46-yard line. Defensive player Drew Ramos `27 highlighted the first series as a key portion of the win. The Mules’ defense stopped Bates on a 3rd-and-1 attempt before intercepting a pass on 4th-and-1 to cap a seven-play stand. “That set the tone for our defense,” Ramos said. “Even when we’re backed up early, we can come together, lock in, and get the ball back to our offense quickly.”
The victory provided a major morale boost for the team that has fought through hardship during the opening stretch of their schedule. Reflecting on how the team stayed focused through early-season challenges, Clements credited the players for their ambitious character and drive. He explained that while the coaching staff maintained strong support and plans, the student-athletes themselves drove results by embracing hard conversations, taking coaching seriously, and remaining resilient. “They love to compete, they love being with each other, they love Colby, and they love Mules football. I think that is the motivator for this team, and it was great to see them rise up and earn the win.”
Linebacker Jack Nye `28 described the post-game locker room atmosphere as “electric.” “It was a great opportunity for the team to appreciate all of the work we have put in,” Nye said. “To be able to showcase the work and see that it paid off was a great feeling for all of the guys.”
Nye noted that overcoming challenges together during the season and offseason grew the collective motivation seen during their games, especially against Bates. “Everyone plays for different reasons, but we came together and really know that we couldn’t let our work and dedication to this game go to waste,” Nye said.
Defensive coordinator coach Hobbins commended Bates for making Colby “earn every play of this win” in a hard-fought game. Hobbins pointed to a critical goal-line stand from the one-yard line, where linebacker Quinton Delorey `29 recorded a tackle for loss on third down to force a field goal. Hobbins called the sequence “the ultimate display of belief in each other and resilience amid adversity.” As they prepare for their next game, Hobbins emphasized wanting the team to avoid “rose-colored glasses” regarding mistakes and maintaining good habits like film breakdown and classroom excellence. With one CBB victory in the books, the Mules turned their attention to their last few games in the season, hoping to continue their streak and work ethic.
“Getting that first win, and knowing we can close out a game in the fourth quarter is huge… we can go out and play fast, play loose, and play our game,” Ramos said.
~ Mandy Zhang `30
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