The first half of the season is complete and the Colby College football season has played the toughest part of its schedule. That doesn’t mean, however, the second half will be easy. The Mules (1-3) make the longest road trip in the New England Small College Athletic Conference this weekend, traveling to Clinton, N.Y. to play Hamilton. Colby also has games with rivals Bates and Bowdoin.

“We’ve played as good a teams as we’re going to face. We’ve played tough competition and we’ve gone toe to toe with most of them, and that’s been exciting,” Colby head coach Jonathan Michaeles said.

Colby’s first four opponents — Williams, Middlebury, Wesleyan and Amherst — are a combined 11-5.  The next four — Hamilton, Bates, Tufts and Bowdoin — are 4-12.

One of the things Michaeles hopes to improve in the second half of the season is turnovers. Colby is -1 in turnover differential.

“In most games, turnovers often make the difference. I think that’s one of the things we’ve got to address and get better at,” Michaeles said.

It’s approximately 450 miles from Waterville to Clinton, N.Y. The Mules look at the long bus ride as a chance to bond.

“It’s a chance to spend time together as coaches and players. Spend more time on the game plan and scouting reports and watching some film. Really just coming closer together as a team,” Michaeles said. “We view it as an advantage. Really, we do. On a normal Friday we don’t get to spend the entire day together.”

Colby will leave Waterville at 8 a.m. this morning.

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Ryan Ruiz, a starting defensive end for the Mules, is likely out for the rest of the season with an injury to his left hand. Ruiz was fifth on  the team with 22 tackles. A sophomore, Ruiz also had 3.5 tackles for a loss and a sack.

“We’ve got some young players who’ve been playing for us, and they’re pretty good. We’re excited to see what they can do with their opportunity to step up,” Michaeles said.

Defensive tackle Mike Wincek, out since the season-opening win over Williams, returns this week, giving Colby some depth on the defensive line.

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Husson (3-2) goes for its fourth consecutive win Saturday, when the Eagles host Eastern Collegiate Football Conference rival Becker (1-4). Husson is 2-0 in conference play, tied with Gallaudet and SUNY-Maritime.

Bangor native Joe Seccareccia has excelled since taking over as the starting quarterback a few games ago. The sophomore had completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 240, with three touchdown passes and no interceptions.

Saturday’s game at the Winkin Complex is Public Safety Day. Husson will give free admission to any local public safety officer and their families, with a valid ID shown.

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242
tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com