Nov. 22 marked the end of arguably the most successful football season in decades. Unfortunately, the Orange and Blue were met by a determined Colgate squad, falling 21-6 in relatively cold conditions at home.

The Bison capped their season at 8-­3 (4-­2 PL) as they were unable to crack the Raider defense, being held to only 254 yards of total offense. Two field goals from kicker Derek Maurer ’15 were the only scoring plays on the afternoon for the squad, both coming in the second quarter.

Maurer’s second field goal of the afternoon and 11th on the season came after a hectic couple of offensive series for both teams, comprised of an interception, two punts, and a fumble. The Raiders scored on three touchdown drives in the second half.

The Raiders’ first score came by way of a two-­yard run, set ­up by a 64-yard completion. A four-­yard touchdown pass later in the half caused the Bison to find themselves down 14-­6. Brian Regan ’16 fumbled the ensuing Colgate kickoff, with the Raiders recovering the ball on the Bison 22-yard line. The defense held strong for several plays thereafter, with a Doug Whitlock ’18 sack leaving the quarterback staring down third-­and-28. Unfortunately, the opposing quarterback showed composure under center, completing a long first-down pass along the right sideline. The Raiders’ running back then rushed for his second score of the half, putting his team up 21-­6.

The Orange and Blue were forced to frantically attempt a comeback, but were left with a failed fourth-down conversion attempt and two interceptions in the fourth quarter, cementing the victory for Colgate.

Regardless of the result, the Orange and Blue finished the year as runner-up in the Patriot League in a season that effectively turned the football program around. Head coach Joe Susan, in his fifth year at the helm of the program, showed great pride in this team’s accomplishments.

“This team has set a standard for others to follow,” Susan said. “We have come a long way and have miles left to travel.”

Twenty-three Bison men, including quarterback Trey Lauletta ’15, saw their final minutes as collegiate athletes on this day.

“I believe our class will be able to look back upon our experience here and be proud of the contribution we made to the program,” Lauletta said. “I will cherish the bonds for the rest of my life that I have formed with each and every one of my teammates as I truly consider them my brothers. I don’t believe it has quite hit me yet that I have played in my last football game ever. Football has played such an integral role in my life for many years as it has formulated me into the person I am today.”