Maine college football roundup: Colby holds off Bates

Colby 34, Bates 27

WATERVILLE — Colby survived a comeback attempt by Bates in the final six minutes as the Mules stubbornly held on for a 34-27 victory over the Bobcats in NESCAC football action Saturday.

The Bobcats (0-6) trailed 34-13 with 5:59 left in regulation, but ferociously fought back with two consecutive touchdowns and had a chance to tie the game with first-and-goal at the Colby 5-yard line.

The Bobcats' special teams came up big when they recovered the onsides kick at their own 44-yardline with 1:36 to play. But, following two big passing plays, the Mules' (3-3) defense finally slowed the Bobcats, and took over on downs.

Bates' first-year quarterback Trevor Smith, in his first career start, was outstanding with 31 completions for 361 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Tom Beaton caught 10 balls for 121 yards, Matt Gregg had 79 yards on eight grabs and Sean Wirth finished with six catches for 81 yards in the losing effort.

Wesleyan 43, Bowdoin 39

BRUNSWICK — Wesleyan nearly imploded in the fourth quarter, but bounced back with a game-winning touchdown in the final seconds to secure a 43-39 triumph over Bowdoin in football action Saturday.

The Polar Bears (2-4) found their footing in the fourth quarter as Justin Starr received a five-yard pass from Oliver Kell, who added the two-point conversion to make it 36-26. After forcing a fourth-and-out, Bowdoin traveled 67 yards in five plays, ending on a Kell two-yard run to cut the Cardinals' advantage to 36-33.

After a three-and-out by the Cardinals (3-3), Bowdoin took control of the ball at their own two yard line after a punt. Kell directed the team past midfield on a pass to Justin Starr and three strikes to Pat Noone, the last of which was a middle-screen. Noone collected the toss, broke three tackles and raced down the sideline to give Bowdoin a 39-36 lead with 1:17 remaining.

Blake DuBois connected with Paulie Lowther to regain the lead for Wesleyan.