Colby fights hard in battle at Holcomb
October 3, 2025
Despite being short-handed and facing one of the top 3A teams in Kansas, the Colby Eagles gave a determined effort Friday night on the road, falling 53-24 to the undefeated Holcomb Longhorns in district play.
Colby entered the game down six starters, including their starting quarterback, running back, and several key receivers, forcing head coach Ryan Mosier to rely on underclassmen and a reshuffled lineup. But the Eagles never backed down. “I was really happy with their performance,” Mosier said. “No one laid down—they gave their best effort each play. The kids that needed to step up stepped up. I was happy with the performance of our lines on both sides. They were outsized and held their own.”
Holcomb opened the night with a quick 6-0 lead before Colby answered early in the second quarter. Senior Cody Wright sparked the Eagles’ offense with a 56-yard touchdown run out of the Wildcat formation, then powered in the two-point conversion himself to give Colby an 8-6 edge. The score capped a hard-earned drive led by the Eagles’ offensive front, which repeatedly fought through a much larger Longhorn defensive line.
Holcomb, however, responded quickly. Running back Korbin Johnson and tailback Chasyn Cosner combined for several big runs, helping the Longhorns regain control with two unanswered touchdowns before halftime. quarterback Ryan Wickwar filled in effectively for injured starter Cooper Cranston, throwing two touchdown passes to receiver Luke Thyne and leading Holcomb to a 26-8 halftime lead.
Still, the Eagles found their rhythm in the second half. After forcing Holcomb to punt for the first time all game, Colby answered with a highlight play—a 96-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Neil Morrison to Cody Wright on third-and-23 midway through the third quarter. Wright broke a tackle down the right sideline and sprinted untouched for his second score of the night. Carter Gordon two-point conversion run cut the deficit to 33-16, giving Colby a much-needed spark.
Moments later, sophomore receiver Julian Salcido intercepted a Holcomb pass, setting up another scoring opportunity, but the drive ended on a fumble return touchdown by Holcomb’s Javid Corral. Despite the setback, Colby’s young offense continued to compete, capping an impressive fourth-quarter drive when Morrison connected with Brady Wiedemann on a 14-yard touchdown pass—the sophomore’s second TD throw of the game.
Morrison finished with two touchdown passes in his first varsity start, showing poise and mobility behind an undersized but resilient offensive line. Wright contributed more than 150 total yards and two scores, while running back Carter Gordon added steady carries throughout the night.
Though the final score favored Holcomb, Mosier said the effort reflected the toughness and heart of his team. “We were outsized, but we never stopped competing,” he said. “They gave everything they had, every play.”
Colby (1-4) will return home next Friday to host Goodland in GWAC conference action and Colby’s Senior night festivities. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Dennen Field.
Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Fourth Quarter