Eagles Prepare for Rivalry Clash with Goodland
October 10, 2025
The Colby Eagles return home Friday to face long-time rival Goodland in one of northwest Kansas’s most anticipated football matchups. Both teams enter the Great West Athletic Conference showdown looking to regain momentum—Goodland at 2-3 and Colby at 1-4—but as always, records mean little when these rivals meet under the lights at Dennen Field.
For Colby, this game represents more than another chance at a win. After a rugged opening stretch and a rash of injuries, head coach Ryan Mosier said, “most of the injured players are expected to come back this week,” providing a much-needed boost to a roster that has battled through adversity.
Mosier’s first key to victory—handling Goodland’s defensive pressure—will be crucial. The Cowboys have relied on a disciplined, physical defense that has allowed just over 100 points across five games. Their front makes opponents work for every yard.
To counter, Colby must stay patient and execute short, high-percentage plays. Quarterback Maxson Smiley has over 800 yards this season through the air, often finding receivers Cody Wright, Kade Youngman, and Nathan Cates on quick routes to stretch defenses horizontally. Those plays can open up space for tailback Talon Wark who brings physicality between the tackles.
If the offensive line can create push up front, Colby’s offense could sustain drives, control the clock, and limit Goodland’s opportunities to strike.
Defensively, Colby faces one of its toughest assignments of the season. Goodland mixes the triple option with spread formations, creating constant misdirection and forcing defenders to stay disciplined. Mosier acknowledged the challenge, saying, “Goodland poses some issues to our defense with their speed and mix of triple option and spread.”
The key will be Mosier’s second focus—assignment sound football. Linebackers Brady Wiedeman and Kasen Stramel must stay disciplined in their reads and avoid over-pursuing. Defensive ends Tage Sullivan and Kage Daniels will be responsible for containment on the edges, while the secondary—led by Wright and Cates—must stay sharp against play-action passes to receivers like Braylon Mull and Zane Brigham.
If the Eagles maintain gap integrity and tackle in space, they can disrupt Goodland’s rhythm and force them into long-yardage situations.
Mosier’s final key—winning the turnover battle—has loomed large in every Colby game this season. Both teams have had issues with ball security, but the Eagles have shown flashes of playmaking ability on defense, including forced turnovers against Holcomb and Hugoton. Momentum in rivalry games often turns on a single interception or fumble recovery, and Colby will look to capitalize when those moments arise.
Friday’s matchup brings renewed energy to both sidelines. The Eagles are seeking their first district win, while Goodland aims to snap a two-game skid. With key players returning, improved health, and a clear plan built around patience, discipline, and ball security, Mosier’s Eagles have a real opportunity to reclaim bragging rights in northwest Kansas.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Friday at Dennen Field in Colby, you can tune in at www.openspacessports.com or www.nwksradion.net for play-by-play action.