The Bantams scored the first 21 points of the game en route to an easy 31-7 victory. With the win, Trinity improved its winning streak to 21 games-the longest streak in all of collegiate football-and, more importantly, assured themselves of at least a share of a third consecutive NESCAC crown. While Williams College could still theoretically catch Trinity, the Bantams are all but certain to pull off another undefeated season, as their one remaining game comes against the struggling Wesleyan University Cardinals.
Coming off a heartwrenching, 10-3 loss to the Tufts University Jumbos last week over Family Weekend, the Lord Jeffs knew that they would have their hands full against the Bantams. Amherst would have to play a flawless game in order to pull off an upset win. Unfortunately, despite another solid day from senior quad-captain running back Fletcher Ladd, who rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown on just 19 carries, the Jeffs were never in a position to threaten the Bantams.
"We knew we had to play great to beat a real good football team, and we did not play great," said Head Coach E.J. Mills. "They do not have a perceived weakness. They have a great kicking game, are well-coached, and are a big and physical team."
Trinity built a 14-point cushion in the first quarter courtesy of a nine-yard touchdown reception by Gennaro Leo and a two-yard scoring plunge by Drew Finkeldey. Finkeldey found the end zone again early in the second quarter to expand the Bantam lead to 21-0.
Amherst's one score of the afternoon-and only touchdown in the past two weeks-came in the second quarter, immediately after Finkeldey put the Bantams up by 21. The drive showcased the workhorse, Ladd, at his best. The scoring drive covered 69 yards in six plays. Ladd rushed the ball for five of those six plays, for 58 of the drive's 69 yards, highlighted by a 20-yard touchdown run to cut the Jeff deficit to 21-7. But Amherst was unable to shrink the Bantam lead any further.
Twice in the second half, Amherst drove into Trinity territory, but the Jeffs turned the ball over on downs to end each drive. The Bantams, meanwhile, tacked on another touchdown in the third quarter and a field goal in the fourth to round out the scoring.
The Lord Jeffs must bounce back from this loss as best they can in the season finale on Saturday. Amherst hosts Williams at Pratt Field in the 119th edition of "The Biggest Little Game in America." With 17 seniors on roster, it's sure to be an emotional contest for the Jeffs, though the Amherst-Williams contest always holds special weight.
Williams leads the all-time series, 66-47-5, but more recent history favors a Jeff victory. Amherst has won its last two home games against Williams (in 2002 and 2000), though the Ephs won the past two games in Williamstown. Last season, Amherst lost in a 14-10 heartbreaker.
This year, Williams is 6-1 and has sole possession of second place in the NESCAC. The lone loss came at the hands of the Bantams, 30-12, on Oct. 2. Williams boasts a robust offense, led by last week's NESCAC Player of the Week Tim Crawley, and the second-best defense in the league. However, the Ephs have a new coach at the helm and a new quarterback calling the signals.
While both teams are, in essence, playing for second place in the NESCAC, the stakes are even higher. The Little Three title in addition to over a century's worth of pride are both on the line. A large Homecoming crowd will be watching and the game will be televised live by NESN.