Players and fans alike danced on the field after the game, which saw the Jeffs come back from a 9-0 halftime deficit. It was the Jeffs' first gridiron victory over the Ephs since 1986, when Amherst won 10-7. Since then, Amherst has been unable to pull out a win, despite holding fourth quarter leads in four of the last five games. This year Amherst pulled ahead in the fourth quarter and held on for the win when Brian Daoust '01 intercepted his third pass of the day. The play allowed the Jeffs to run out the clock, setting the stage for campus-wide celebrations.
As victory neared, players and coaches finally let out all of their pent up emotions." It was a roller coaster of emotions all day. I was standing there watching the clock tick down in disbelief. I was more shocked than anything," said standout wide receiver Derrell Wright '02. "We set out to beat Williams in the beginning of the year and when you set a goal and achieve it, it feels that much better."
Fellow wideout Matt Hall '01 also experienced a moment of disbelief after the win. "I was just standing there at the 50 [yard line] watching as everyone celebrated and rushed the goal post," he said. "I was a little shocked, but more happy. We've got a great group of seniors and I was happy for them. I was also really happy for [Head Coach E.J.] Mills. He's the greatest coach I've ever had."
The win over Williams was the crowning accomplishment in Amherst's 7-1 season, their best record since 1997. The Jeffs also finished tied for first place in the NESCAC with Middlebury and Colby Colleges.