The Colby College football team definitely showed improvement in Week 2 of the season, particularly on defense, where the Mules forced a pair of turnovers by a potent Middlebury offense. Still, it was another loss —a 28-9 setback to the Panthers. Head coach Jonathan Michaeles said the offense now needs to take a step forward.
“Finish the drive. We moved the ball. We got first downs. We ran 85 offensive plays. We’ve got to finish. We were unable to convert critical third down situations. You’ve got to beat man coverage and win matchups,” Michaeles said.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Corwin Stadium, Middletown, Conn.
Last season: Wesleyan 28, Colby 7
Key players: Colby — QB Gabe Harrington, WR Mark Snyder, RB Jabari Hurdle-Price, DL Ryan Ruiz, LB Steve O’Grady, DB Don Vivian. Wesleyan — RB Jaylen Berry, QB Gernald Hawkins, WR Devon Carrillo, DL Jordan Stone, LB Jon Spivey, LB Shayne Kaminski.
Outlook: Colby is last in the New England Small College Athletic Conference in scoring and total offense (198 yards per game), and faces a tough Wesleyan defense which is second in the league in yards allowed (255.5 per game). The big problem so far for the Mules has been turnovers. Colby has seven turnovers in two games. Wesleyan’s offense is paced by Berry, who leads the NESCAC with 175 rushing yards, and the Cardinals average 246 yards per game on the ground. A first-year player, Vivian made seven tackles for Colby last week.
Colby controlled the time of possession against Middlebury, 36:06 to 23:54, and the Mules gained just 237 yards, up from 159 in the opening week loss to Trinity. Colby converted just 5 of 19 third down tries, however, and had three more turnovers. That gives the Mules seven turnovers in two games.
“It’s definitely correctable. Quarterback’s got to take better care of the football. Trying to make too many plays,” Michaeles said.
After facing the top passing offense in the New England Small College Athletic Conference last week, Colby must defend a Wesleyan team Saturday that does things in an old school way. The Cardinals average 246 yards per game on the ground and will sometimes run plays out of the single wing wildcat formation.
“They’re very deep on offense. They have a lot of good skill players, particularly at running back/wildcat quarterback,” Michaeles said.
Wesleyan’s Jaylen Berry leads the NESCAC in rushing, with 175 yards.
• • •
Maine Maritime Academy running back Josh Doolan suffered a foot injury in last week’s 21-14 loss at Coast Guard. A Lawrence High School graduate, Doolan said he’s not sure how long the injury will keep him sidelined.
“X-rays show no breakage in my foot or ankle. I have to get an MRI to see if any ligaments or tendons were affected,” Doolan said.
Doolan had 10 carries for 62 yards in the game before the injury. On the season, Doolan has 289 yards rushing and 71 yards receiving.
The Mariners (1-3) are off this weekend and will host Western New England on Oct. 17. Doolan hopes to learn early next week if he’ll be able to play in that game.
“I’m in rehab three times a day to prepare for the next game. I’m using this bye week to get mental reps and rest. I’m watching extra film,” Doolan said.
• • •
Husson cracked the New England Division III football poll this week. The Eagles (2-1) are ranked ninth after beating Castleton, 40-7, in their Eastern Collegiate Football Conference opener last week.
Husson quarterback Joe Seccareccia was named the ECFC Offensive Player of the Week for his 298 yard, four touchdown effort in last week’s win over the Spartans.
The Eagles play at Anna Maria (0-4) on Saturday. Husson is ranked sixth in Division III in total defense, allowing just 192 yards per game. Gardiner grad Alonzo Connor is third on the Eagles in tackles, with 21. Lawrence grad Bryant Wade has 18 tackles.
• • •
Madison native Bobby Wilder’s Old Dominion Monarchs have the weekend off. Old Dominion lost to Marshall last week, 27-7, dropping to 2-3.
Old Dominion’s next game is Oct. 17, against Conference USA rival Charlotte.
Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242
tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @TLazarczykMTM
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