The Colby College Mules dropped a 33-6 decision against Trinity College in their 2010 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) opener at Jessee/Miller Field Saturday. While quarterback Nick Kmetz '12 threw for 223 yards, Trinity dominated both the rushing and passing game.

The Bantams took an early lead in the first quarter and were up 20-0 at halftime.

Down 26-0, the Mules put themselves on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter when Kmetz connected with tight end Spencer Merwin '12. The scoring drive consisted of eight plays for 63 yards, the most notable of which saw Kmetz deliver a 37-yard pass to wide receiver Patrick Burns '11.

Burns continued to gain yards throughout the game, catching seven passes for a total of 107 yards. Merwin added 49 yards on five receptions, including the lone touchdown. The Mules also gained 49 yards in rushing. Tailback Conor Tidgwell '11 had eight rushes for 32 yards.

Colby's defense was led by middle linebacker Tom Duffy '12, who made 12 tackles. Derrick Beasley '13, Richard Newton '11 and Ryan Veillette '13 made seven tackles apiece, while Michael Jenkins '14 had six tackles in addition to a fumble recovery. Craig Zevin '11 also had a fumble recovery, as well as the Mules' only sack. Eric Wilsterman '11 added a forced fumble and five stops.

Trinity's quarterback Craig Drusbosky threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 34 yards. The Bantams' first touchdown came in the first quarter when Nana Appah-Sampon found the end zone from one yard out to complete a 65-yard drive. Ben Crick had a scoring run midway through the second quarter, and Christopher Hunt caught a 15-yard pass to finish off the half.

The Bantams continued their scoring streak in the second half with a nine-yard run from Hedley Jennings.

The Mules' scoring drive saw Tidgwell break a 10-yard run. Kmetz had 10-yard passes to both David Grean '12 and Merwin.

Trinity delivered on its promise to be a tough opponent, but Coach Mestieri is still disappointed in the Mules' performance, as well as the outcome of the game.

"Trinity is an exceptionally talented football team and we were going to have to play an outstanding game to beat them and we didn't. Although our effort was terrific, our level of execution didn't match. We made way too many mistakes and didn't take advantage of some of the opportunities we had early in the game. We were always playing catch up. The hot, humid weather took its toll on our team; Trinity has an extremely deep team and kept running players at us in waves.

We played hard, but in the end, the effort wasn't enough. Most of the mistakes we made were correctable and we hope to address those this week in practice."

Colby will play Middlebury College in next Saturday's home opener. The game will begin at 1 p.m. at Seaverns Field at Harold Alfond Stadium. The game will also be streamed online.