Holcomb Runs Past Colby

COLBY - No. 4-ranked Holcomb used a dominant rushing attack and several explosive plays to pull away from Colby on Friday night, defeating the Eagles 64-24 at Dennen Field.

Holcomb improved to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the Great West Activities Conference, while Colby fell to 1-4 and 0-3 in league play.

The Longhorns wasted little time taking control. After Colby went three-and-out on its opening possession, Holcomb started at midfield and marched 50 yards in eight plays, capped by a 4-yard touchdown run from Chasyn Cosner.

A strong return by Brooks Scherrer set up Holcomb’s second score. Three plays later, Cooper Cranston found the end zone on a 6-yard jet sweep to give the Longhorns a 14-0 lead after the first quarter.

Colby put together its best drive of the first half in the second quarter, moving 55 yards on 12 plays and reaching the red zone. The drive ended, however, when a pass toward the end zone fell incomplete on fourth down.

Holcomb answered with its biggest play of the night. Cranston broke free for a 66-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 20-0.

The Eagles struggled to sustain drives for the remainder of the half. Colby reached Holcomb territory again but turned the ball over on downs after a 12-yard sack on fourth down. Cranston then needed just one play to score again, racing 45 yards for his 45th career touchdown.

Holcomb led 27-0 at halftime.

The Longhorns added to their advantage in the third quarter. After a hook-and-ladder return put Holcomb at the Colby 22, Jayce Rodriguez connected on a 30-yard field goal.

Holcomb then turned a Colby interception into another touchdown, with Clay Tolbert catching a 20-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Wickwar.

Colby finally broke through on the ensuing kickoff. Sean Wederski handed the ball to Nathan Cates on a hook-and-ladder return, and Cates took it the distance for a kickoff touchdown, cutting the deficit to 37-8.

The Eagles continued to fight in the fourth quarter.

Morrison connected with Cates on a 41-yard touchdown pass to make it 44-16. After another Holcomb score, Morrison and Cates connected again, this time on a 22-yard touchdown pass to cap an 80-yard, 10-play drive.

Holcomb answered with another explosive run from Evan Valencia, who scored on a 46-yard touchdown run for his second consecutive score.

The Longhorns added another touchdown late in the game with Carlos Martinez scoring on a 1-yard run.

Holcomb finished with 516 total yards, including 359 on the ground. Cosner rushed 11 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns, while Valencia added 125 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. Cranston also accounted for three rushing touchdowns.

Colby finished with 164 total yards, including 153 passing yards. Neale Morrison completed 12 of 27 passes for 152 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Cates caught five passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns.

The Eagles converted just one of 12 third-down opportunities and went 3-for-7 on fourth down.

Colby will look to rebound next Friday when it travels to face GWAC rival Goodland.