Colby Faces Tall Task Against Unbeaten Holcomb
October 3, 2025
The Colby Eagles return to district action this Friday, October 3, when they travel to Holcomb to face the unbeaten Longhorns. It will be one of the Eagles’ toughest tests of the season, as Holcomb enters at 4-0 with a balanced attack and one of the state’s most dynamic young quarterbacks.
Holcomb sophomore quarterback Cooper Cranston has been nothing short of electric. A true dual-threat, Cranston has already amassed 395 passing yards and 6 touchdowns through the air while leading the team in rushing with 628 yards and 7 more scores. “QB is real deal running the ball,” Colby head coach Ryan Mosier said. “They have a solid line on both sides and will be a team that makes a run in post season if they stay healthy.”
The Longhorns average nearly 400 yards of total offense per game and have outscored opponents 131–33 through four weeks. Cranston gets help in the backfield from running back Chasyn Cosner, who has added 313 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, while receivers Korbin Johnson, Javid Corral, and Haegen Hartman give Holcomb multiple weapons in the passing game. On defense, Johnson leads the team with 32 tackles, and Cranston doubles as a ball-hawking safety with 5 interceptions.
For Colby, the key will be finding ways to generate explosive plays in the passing game. Sophomore quarterback Maxson Smiley has been steady, throwing for 849 yards and 9 touchdowns in four games. Senior Cody Wright and juniors Gage Krohn and Sean Wederski headline a receiving corps capable of stretching the field, each averaging over 20 yards per catch.
Coach Mosier knows the challenge is steep, but he believes the Eagles can compete if they stick to their plan. “The 3 keys to winning this game are simple: win the turnover battle, make big plays while limiting theirs, and be physical for four quarters,” Mosier explained.
Colby will also need contributions from younger players after a rash of early-season injuries. “We have been hit with the injury bug all over the place, so some younger guys will have to step up,” Mosier said.
The Eagles enter the matchup 1-3, still searching for their first district win, while Holcomb sits atop the standings at 3-0 in league play. For Colby, it’s an opportunity to measure themselves against one of the top programs in Class 3A. For Holcomb, it’s a chance to stay perfect and extend their run toward the postseason.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in Holcomb.