The result was the Ephs' fifth perfect season as well as Williams' seventh denial of a perfect season for Amherst. Williams also extended the number of years since Amherst's last perfect season to 17.
But Amherst was not without its chances. After falling behind on an early one-yard touchdown by the Ephs, the Lord Jeffs reeled off 17 unanswered points, led by the stellar play of quad-captain wide receiver Derrell Wright '02. Amherst took their 17-7 lead into the half and appeared to have the game in hand, until turnovers and an ineffective offense allowed the Ephs back into the game. Amherst fumbled once and was intercepted three times. No turnover was more important than Williams' sophomore linebacker Graham Goldwasser's interception of Marsh Moseley '05 early in the fourth quarter at the Amherst 22. A few plays later, Williams tailback Mike Hackett ran a toss right for a four-yard game-tying touchdown. This pushed the teams into overtime.
Williams won the toss in overtime and elected to start the extra period on defense. Unlike in the professional game, each team is guaranteed at least one possession in overtime. It is considered advantageous to start on defense so the offense can see exactly what it has to do to win or tie.
The Lord Jeffs started their overtime period off well with a Jerimy Hiltner '02 reception and a pair of Fletcher Ladd '04 runs that gave Amherst a 1st and goal just inside the Williams 10.
The Ephs defense held firm, however, and the Lord Jeffs could only come away with a field goal. Unfortunately for Amherst, it would not be enough.
On 2nd and 10, Williams' star sophomore quarterback Joe Reardon connected on a 21-yard deep corner route to junior receiver Ryan Friend. Two plays later, sophomore fullback Tyler Shea burst into the endzone to give Williams a dramatic come-from-behind-victory.
Head Coach E.J. Mills explained his squad's tough loss. "We just couldn't make a play in the second half," said Mills. "We needed some positive things to happen to us in the second half, and it just didn't happen. In close games, turnovers and mistakes usually make the difference, and they did on Saturday."
A heartbreaking loss such as this one can often mar an entire season, particularly when this was the last game, but Mills is quick to recognize the accomplishments of his team and the Class of 2002. "I am very proud of our kids. This is an exceptional group and, although it was a disappointing end for our seniors, they have nothing to be ashamed of. Their career record at Amherst is 24-8."
But the very strength of the Class of 2002 poses several questions for the team entering next year. Mills will have to replace virtually his entire front-seven on defense, including senior standouts quad-captains Pat McGee and Dan Lalli, and Brian Landolfi and Gregg Stankewicz.
Mills will also lose seniors Jay Hutchins, Derrell Wright, Okey Ugwonali, Josh Ahern and Colin Renz, among others.
But Lalli is confident about his successors' future: "Coach Mills is the greatest coach to ever pass through this College and this team will be ready to go next year. There will be absolutely no let up next year."