Eagles Aim to Reset as Hugoton Visits Dennen Field
September 26, 2025
The Colby Eagles return home this Friday, September 26, looking to rebound from a difficult road trip as they host the undefeated Hugoton Eagles in a key district showdown at Dennen Field.
Colby (1-2, 0-2 district) is coming off a 39-0 loss to Cimarron, a game in which early miscues and penalties put the Eagles in a hole they could not climb out of. Quarterback Maxson Smiley finished with 57 passing yards on 6-of-27 attempts, while running back Talon Wark provided the bulk of the offense with 79 rushing yards. Cody Wright added 31 receiving yards, but Colby struggled to find consistency, converting just one of 14 third-down opportunities.
Despite the offensive frustrations, Head Coach Ryan Mosier said the team remains focused on long-term progress. “We know we didn’t play to our standard,” Mosier said after the Cimarron game. “We need to improve fundamentals and continue to get better day by day. When we put it together, it’s a different story.”
This week, Colby’s test may be its toughest yet. Hugoton enters the matchup 3-0 after blasting Lakin 62-7 last Friday and beating Ulysses 28-6 the week before. The southern Eagles have built their perfect start on a bruising ground attack and a defense that thrives on turnovers. Against Lakin, Hugoton’s feature back ripped off a 55-yard touchdown and added two more short scoring runs before halftime. Their defense followed by forcing multiple stops and setting up short fields.
Colby’s defensive strategy will hinge on slowing that rushing attack. Hugoton’s offense has yet to prove it can consistently win through the air, so stacking the box, setting the edge, and forcing third-and-long situations could be critical. If Colby can make Hugoton play left-handed, the game’s rhythm may shift in the home team’s favor.
On offense, Colby will look to clean up the miscues that haunted them at Cimarron. Sustained drives not only give the Eagles chances to score but also keep Hugoton’s playmakers off the field. Short passes, ball security, and efficient early-down runs will be vital in avoiding the third-and-long situations that doomed them a week ago.
Friday’s game also offers Colby a chance to reset its season narrative. A win would not only even the Eagles’ overall record but also inject momentum into district play. For a team still piecing together rhythm after injuries and lineup changes, protecting home turf could be a defining moment.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Dennen Field, where Colby will try to hand Hugoton its first loss and remind the district that the Eagles are still very much in the fight.