There's nothing quite like ending on a high note. In a season filled with ups and downs, the Bowdoin Football Team erased all memory of its disappointing losses by beating archrival Colby and winning its second straight CBB Championship last weekend.
After a dominating performance by the offense in the first half and a strong performance by the defense in the second, Bowdoin was able to hold on for a 20-17 victory over the Mules.
"Winning the CBB is important," said Head Coach Dave Caputi, "because of the history and tradition that's involved in it."
"You've got to be a little bit more physical and a little bit more intense," he added.
Led by a stellar effort from sophomore quarterback Oliver Kell, the Bowdoin offense scored three times in the first half. However, Colby bounced back and was able to keep the game close.
Kell directed an eight-play, 55-yard scoring drive for the Polar Bears, connecting with senior tight end Steve Cunningham in the end zone.
After Colby replied with a field goal, Kell again led the team on a long drive to score. Senior tri-captain Tim Colton, normally a defensive lineman, caught a five-yard touchdown pass for his first ever catch to extend the Bowdoin lead.
After a Colby touchdown shrunk the Bowdoin lead to three points, Kell capped a strong Bowdoin drive with a five-yard rushing touchdown to put the hosts up 20-10 at halftime. After a botched punt put Colby on the Bowdoin two-yard line, Colby was able to pound the ball in and pull within three. However, a blocked field goal by sophomore Nick Tom that would have tied the game and an interception by sophomore Tyler Tennant preserved the Bowdoin lead.
Kell finished 20-30 with 180 yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown, earning him NESCAC Player of the Week honors.
"Winning the CBB Championship two years in a row is a great accomplishment for the team and the seniors," senior tri-captain Rogan Donelly said. "And any season that ends in a win against Colby is a success."
The Polar Bears finished the year at 3-5, a one game improvement over last season's 2-6 record.
Ultimately, the team hopes to continue to grow and to capitalize next year on this year's late-season successes.
"The character and strengths of a team change year-to-year," said Caputi, "but because of the numbers we're going to have, next year we'll have more options then we've had over the last few years."
Caputi said he was impressed with the team's growth throughout the year.
"There are different levels of being a young football team," Caputi said. "[The team has to] learn how to play well, learn how to compete and learn how to win. We were in a couple of games where one bounce didn't go our way and we lost. If one play on offense goes our way and one play on defense goes the other way then we win those games. I think the wins against Colby and Bates show that we've learned how to win."