Amherst jumped out to an early lead midway through the first quarter on a four-yard quarterback draw by Marsh Moseley '05. The Jeffs started their scoring drive at midfield, thanks to a good defensive stand, which kept the Bantams pinned inside of their own 10-yard line. But despite the good field position, Amherst's drive stalled at the Trinity 43, as the Jeffs faced a long 3rd and 14. But a 16-yard scramble by Moseley kept the drive alive-this would be the first of two big third down runs for Moseley-and a 23-yard catch by Jerimy Hiltner '02 put Amherst on the Trinity four, setting up Moseley's touchdown run.
Following a Trinity field goal early in the second quarter, Amherst responded by notching their second touchdown of the game. The 13-play, 75-yard drive was fueled by the determined running of Ladd and Okey Ugwonali '02, and a big completion by Moseley on third down. Ladd finished the drive with a four-yard run on a toss, right behind the blocking of fullback Jeff Ryan '03. Ladd has scored a touchdown in four of his last five games.
The Jeffs proceeded to put the game out of reach on their next drive. Once again, it was a big play by Moseley on third down that allowed the Jeffs to continue their march down the field. On this drive, Moseley broke a few tackles en route to an improbable 22-yard scramble across the field, on what seemed to be a hopeless 3rd and 18. Two plays later, the freshman quarterback, who was making just his second career start, hooked up with a wide open Hiltner in the corner of the endzone for a 25-yard score. The Jeffs outgained the Bantams total yards, 226 to 90, as they entered the half with what would become an insurmountable 21-3 lead.
Amherst's final score came on their first possession of the second half. A 30-yard Ladd run put the Jeffs in Bantam territory, and Ladd ended the drive a few plays later with a four-yard toss into the endzone. The touchdown was Ladd's fourth in the last two games.
Unfortunately for the Jeff defense, their season-long streak of not allowing a touchdown at home came to an end with less than three minutes left in the game. A 29-yard punt return by Bantam Drew Finkeldey put Trinity at the Amherst 27. While the Amherst defense prides itself, for good reason, on its ability to stifle opponents inside the redzone, they were not able to stop Trinity tailback Brian Fabrizio from punching through the line for a one-yard score.
Despite allowing their first touchdown at home all season, the Jeff defense came through with another stellar effort, which was led, as usual, by its senior class, who were playing their last career games on Pratt Field.
In addition to Lalli's game-high 18 tackles, Jay Hutchins '02 had 16 tackles and Quad-captain Pat McGee '02 notched another sack to put his NESCAC-leading total to 9.5 on the year. Lalli was also named NESCAC Co-Defensive Player of the Week.
Ladd led the Jeffs on offense with 126 yards rushing on 17 carries which averages to an impressive 7.4 yards per carry. But it was, perhaps, Moseley's play that inspired the most confidence in the Amherst faithful.
Moseley, who was named NESCAC Rookie of The Week for the second time in three weeks, completed 13 of 20 passes for 138 yards, one touchdown and an interception. He also had 43 yards rushing on seven carries.
But the most impressive aspect of Moseley's performance this past Saturday was his ability to make the big plays when his team needed them. In addition to his two long third down scrambles, Moseley had a couple of drive-saving completions.
His ability to perform under pressure will almost certainly be tested again next week, as Amherst will face a strong Williams College offense that may force the Amherst offense to put up more points than it is normally accustomed to. The young quarterback will also be playing in front of a crowd of more than 10,000 screaming fans for the first time.
This Saturday's game is shaping up to be a classic. Amherst comes into the game boasting the NESCAC's stingiest defense, while Williams maintains the league's highest scoring offense.
Amherst had endured a 14-year winless drought against Williams until last year, when the Jeffs pulled out an amazing 20-12 victory over the Ephs. That victory looms larger than ever right now.
"[The winless streak against Williams] was a weight of sizable proportions for the guys through the last few years," said Head Coach E.J. Mills. "So I think our victory does give our players some added confidence going into the game. But I have a lot of respect for the Williams football program. They are going to come ready to play, and so are we. Ultimately it will come down to execution."
Williams has ended six perfect seasons for Amherst throughout the years, while the Jeffs have returned the favor only twice.
"We are just going to go up to Williamstown and take care of business like we have all year," said Lalli.