The Middlebury football team won their second straight game on Saturday, defeating Colby 32-2 on Homecoming Weekend and bringing their record to 2-1. The Panther defense continued their hot streak and stifled the Mules, while the Panther offense rode a strong first half to a dominant victory.
Almost 3,000 people attended the game, which began at 1:00p.m. Many attendees were alums who’d returned to Youngman Field at Alumni Stadium for Homecoming Weekend festivities. The College provided many amenities, including tents at the stadium with free snacks, opportunities to win Middlebury merchandise and food trucks down by the soccer fields.
The Panthers faced off against the Colby Mules, who were coming off a season-opening loss to Williams the week prior. Unlike Middlebury’s previous two games, this contest opened with immediate action.
On the very first play, Panthers defensive lineman Gianlucca Saracino ’27 punched the ball away from a Mules running back before James Woodward ’28 dove onto it. The Middlebury sideline came alive, and the growing crowd was pulled into the game.
The Panther offense took the field with great field position and quickly took advantage. Led by quarterback Aiden Moss ’27, the team drove 37 yards downfield and found the end zone with a 13-yard touchdown reception by Luis Kuehberger ’29. A blocked extra point left the score at 6-0.
It was a great start to the game — one the offense needed. “The past couple games the defense has really bailed us out,” Kuehberger said, “The offense hasn’t really been putting up good numbers, and so it was really a good feeling to capitalize off of that and get some points on the board.”
Colby took the field with 11:33 remaining in the first quarter, but the Panther defense again stood strong and forced a turnover on downs.
The offense took the ball back with momentum behind them and covered 63 yards in just six plays, eventually ending with a gritty 34-yard touchdown rush by Connor McClellan ’28. Kicker Yaseen Mousa ’29 converted the extra point to put the Panthers ahead 13-0 with 3:59 left in the first.
Middlebury’s defense continued to battle, not allowing a first down and forcing a punt. Early in the second quarter, as the Panther offense battled downfield, Moss had a pass broken up on third-and-8. During the play, a Colby defensive player went down hard and was taken off the field in an ambulance after a long intermission.
The Panthers and Mules traded punts for the next few drives, but after pinning Colby deep in their own territory, the Middlebury defense made yet another statement. Captain Matt Shaw ’27 snatched an interception and took it back to the 11-yard line. On the next play, McClellan rushed into the end zone for his second touchdown and the third score of the game. A missed extra point kept it at 19-0.
Middlebury again smothered the Mules, only allowing a single first down before another interception, this time by Woodward — Colby’s third turnover. However, the ensuing Panther drive ended with a blocked field goal.
Colby took the ball back with 3:22 remaining in the half, but the Panthers defense forced a turnover on downs and gave the ball back to the offense on the Colby 39-yard line with 1:40 remaining.
The Panthers took the ball with urgency, driving down and finishing the half with a two-yard touchdown rush from McClellan for his third touchdown of the game. Middlebury then attempted to go for two points but failed, nevertheless taking a commanding 25-0 lead into halftime.
During the break, President Ian Baucom and Athletic Director Todd Phelps presided over a ceremony honoring the late Emily McNamara ’07. Joined by her husband and Head Men's Lacrosse Coach, Dave Campbell ’00, they officially designated McNamara the fifth Head Coach in Middlebury Women’s Lacrosse history. They recognized her dedication, competitive spirit and love for Middlebury and the hockey program.
After the ceremony, Middlebury kicked off the second half with a lackluster drive. When attempting to punt, Middlebury errantly snapped the ball out the back of the end zone for a Colby safety. The Mules finally had points on the board, 25-2.
This would be the only score in the third quarter, as both teams struggled to move the ball for the rest of the period.
In the fourth quarter, the Panthers finally made another breakthrough when Calvin Szoradi ’28 sacked the Colby quarterback on third down and forced a punt from Colby’s own 1-yard line. The Colby punter couldn’t get much onto it, and after a 9-yard return from Charlie Grant ’27 the offense was positioned perfectly in the red zone.
Middlebury didn’t let this opportunity go to waste, as McClellan rushed again into the end zone after only two plays for a 9-yard touchdown — his fourth of the day. The extra point was good, and the Panthers extended the lead to 32-2.
This proved to be the last score of the game; less than 13 minutes later, Middlebury took home their second win of the season in front of the thrilled Homecoming crowd — 32-2 final.
“It's always good to see those guys come back,” Kuehberger said, “it means a lot to them, and it means a lot to us that they're coming out to support. And to have the stadium full is obviously a great feeling.”
McClellan led the offense with 121 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Kuehberger followed him with five receptions for 80 receiving yards and one touchdown, and Moss threw for 163 yards on fifteen completions with one touchdown.
On the defensive side, Woodward led the unit with eight total tackles, one interception and one recovered fumble. Micheal Votta ’27 tallied seven total tackles, including five solo stands, and Shaw added on six tackles and an interception. Woodward was also named NESCAC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts, marking the second week in a row a Panther has received the honor.
Middlebury hopes to keep their winning streak alive this weekend when they travel on the road to face Amherst at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10.
