The Colby Echo

Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Rob Kievit Defensive lineman Mike Poplaski '08J scores the game winning touchdown.

Not many pundits gave Colby a chance last Saturday, Nov. 3, against Tufts University, considering the Jumbos' lofty 5-1 record and their opportunity to advance to the New England Small Conference Championship next weekend against Middlebury College, who is also 5-1. Possibly looking ahead to the Middlebury game or perhaps distracted by the miserable weather conditions due to the remnants of Hurricane Noel, the Jumbos fell as the Mules pulled off the upset of the year thus far in the NESCAC and beat Tufts 19-16 at Seaverns Field. In a game marred by unsportsmanlike penalties, turnovers, driving rain and 25 m.p.h. wind gusts, Colby showed that it is one of the most disciplined, intelligent and well-coached teams in the NESCAC.

The game started roughly for the Mules when off the opening kickoff, Tufts put together a nine-play, 3:08 minutes drive that was capped by a Matt Russo to Stephen Black touchdown strike of 23 yards. Tufts' kicker Greg Stewart proceeded to slip and miss the extra point attempt on a block by Sam Handler '09.

After a mediocre kickoff by Tufts, Colby struck back with its best offensive drive of the season as Billy Ryan '08 showed pinpoint accuracy and impressive arm strength. After Ryan sustained a hand injury towards the end of the long 14-play, 74-yard drive, backup quarterback Patrick Burns '11 came in and rolling to his right, threw a strike to wide receiver Justin Candon '08 in the back of the endzone for a 16-yard touchdown. Candon dove to his right and caught the ball just before falling out of bounds for an amazing touchdown catch. Captain Chris Bashaw '08 also had some very impressive runs, as the Mules offensive coordinator showed great variety in play calling throughout the drive, operating from the shotgun and under center while mixing in some play-action and sweeps.

As the weather picked up during the second quarter, so did the Tufts offense, which scored on two impressive drives, one touchdown and one field goal to take a 16-6 lead into the locker-room at half time. On the touchdown, Jumbo Russo took it in from the one-yard line and Greg Stewart added the field goal at the end of the half.

Continued...

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