Eagles Soar on Homecoming Night With Victory Over Holyoke
September 16, 2025
The Colby Eagles gave their hometown fans plenty to cheer about Friday night as they defended Dennen Field with a high-powered performance in their Homecoming matchup against the Holyoke Dragons. Behind a 347-yard, four-touchdown effort from quarterback Maxson Smiley, the Eagles delivered a 34-20 victory to cap off a festive night that crowned seniors Braxton Withington and Brittany Swartz as Homecoming King and Queen.
The game opened with Colby marching deep into Dragon territory, but the Eagles stalled on fourth down inside the red zone. Their defense quickly answered, however, when sophomore lineman Kasen Stramel pounced on a Holyoke fumble at the 5-yard line. Two plays later, senior receiver Gage Krohn hauled in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Smiley to put Colby in front 7-0.
Holyoke responded early in the second quarter with a short quarterback sneak to tie the score. But the Eagles’ offense ignited on the next possession, highlighted by a 60-yard strike from Smiley to Jayton Rush for a quick touchdown. Moments later, senior Cody Wright intercepted a Dragon pass, setting up another lightning play: a 58-yard touchdown reception by receiver Sean Wederski.
Holyoke refused to fold, punching in a 57-yard touchdown pass of their own before halftime. At the break, Colby held a slim 20-13 advantage.
The third quarter turned sloppy with penalties and stalled drives on both sides, but the Eagles seized momentum late. Smiley connected with junior receiver Nathan Cates on a 37-yard touchdown, then added a two-point conversion to stretch the lead. Running back Talon Wark capped the drive with a bruising 3-yard touchdown run.
From there, Colby’s defense controlled the game. “I was pleased with our defense answering the call late in the 3rd and 4th quarter,” said head coach Ryan Mosier. “Holyoke had some athletes who could break plays open, but our guys buckled down when it mattered.”
In the final period, the Eagles forced multiple punts and denied Holyoke’s rushing attack. The Dragons capitalized late on a fumble recovery return for a touchdown, but the outcome was already decided.
Smiley’s 14-for-28 night included four touchdown passes spread among Krohn, Wederski, Cates, and Rush. Wark provided steady work on the ground, rushing for 41 yards on 16 carries with one touchdown. C. Wright added 56 yards on five receptions while also contributing defensively with a key turnover. Defensive lineman Bryton Dixon also made a major impact, recording a sack and pressuring the Dragon backfield throughout.
“Bryton Dixon on the DL or Maxson Smiley with 14-of-28 for 347 yards and four TD’s were the stand-out players of the game,” Mosier said. “But we also need to continue to build the ability to rush the ball if we want to keep growing as a team.”
The packed stands roared throughout the night, not only for the Eagles’ big plays but also for the Homecoming Coronation as Braxton Withington and Brittany Swartz were crowned Homecoming royalty.
The win gave Colby a much-needed boost of confidence and momentum as they head on the road next week to face Cimarron.
