November 7, 2001
Amherst College Lord Jeffs (7-0) at
Williams College Ephs (7-0)
November 10, 2001 * Weston Field
Williamstown, MA * Noon
THE SERIES
Williams holds a 64-46-5 series edge over Amherst heading into the 116th meeting of the "Biggest Little Game in America," winning 12 out of the last 14 matchups dating back to 1987, Dick Farley's first year as Williams' head coach. The Ephs will be looking for revenge, however, after Amherst's 20-12 home victory last year, which snapped Williams' 14-game unbeaten streak in the rivalry (13-0-1) that has always been one of the best in NCAA Division III. The Jeffs' 7-0 record this season marks just the ninth time in school history they've been perfect through seven games, while Williams is also 7-0 after a 31-7 win over Wesleyan University. The two rivals are the lone remaining undefeated teams in the NESCAC, which means that, in addition to bragging rights, Saturday's season-finale will be for the outright NESCAC and Little Three titles. The matchup also marks just the third time in school history that both teams entered the game undefeated, with the Jeffs taking both of the first two encounters, 12-6 in Amherst in 1942 and 20-7 on Pratt Field in 1964. Amherst has denied Williams a perfect season three times - 1942 (12-6 Amherst), 1964 (20-7 Amherst) and 1995 (0-0 tie). Meanwhile, Williams has denied Amherst a perfect season six times - 1957, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1996 and 1997. The Jeffs and Ephs first locked horns in 1884, with Williams coming away with a hard-fought 15-2 victory. Amherst has not won on Weston Field since 1985 (35-20). This is the 17th consecutive year the game will be televised. Notably, the 1995 game, which finished in a 0-0 tie, was broadcast nationally on ESPN2, and the New England Sports Network (NESN) has picked up the next six telecasts, including this season's.
AMHERST'S ASSAULT ON THE RECORD BOOKS
Saturday's game carries a wealth of historical significance, not only for the two teams involved, but also for a pair of senior captains steadily approaching a number of Amherst career statistical records. All-NESCAC wide receiver and punt returner Derrell Wright needs just nine receptions to equal College Football Hall of Famer and 11-year NFL veteran Freddie Scott '74's career record of 143. He's also just 197 yards shy of Scott's all-time mark for career receiving yards - 2,336. Scott, who amassed both totals in just three seasons (1971-73), was honored by the National Football Foundation at halftime of Amherst's 28-10 win over visiting Trinity College on Saturday. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Pat McGee needs only a half (0.5) sack to reach 30 for his career, which would make him the college's all-time leader in that category. Furthermore, with a shutout on Saturday, the Amherst defense, which has allowed just 26 points through seven games, would eclipse the all-time NCAA record for fewest points allowed per game (Millsaps College holds the record, surrendering 31 points in nine games for a 3.4-point average in 1980 - Amherst's opponent scoring average currently stands at 3.7). The Jeffs are also on pace to shatter NCAA marks for fewest total touchdowns allowed (the current record is four, held most recently by Bentley College in 1990 - Amherst has allowed two), fewest combined rushing and passing touchdowns allowed per game (Montclair State set the current record of 0.3 in 1984 - Amherst currently stands at 0.29) and fewest passing touchdowns allowed (none, held by many teams, most recently Dayton in 1980 - Amherst hasn't allowed a passing touchdown this season).
SCOUTING AMHERST
The Jeffs finally surrendered touchdowns in consecutive weeks after going 21 straight quarters without allowing an opponent into the Amherst end zone. The defense remains impressive nonetheless. Ranked second in New England with a sparkling 7-0 record, the Jeffs have allowed just 26 points in 2001 with three shutouts to their credit, thanks in large part to a defense that leads the nation in opponent scoring average (3.7 ppg). The key is a slew of experienced, hard-hitting seniors who simply refuse opponents any kind of offensive foothold. Of Amherst's top eight tacklers, seven are seniors, including linebacker Dan Lalli, who leads the team with 69 takedowns after posting a career-high 18 in Saturday's win against Trinity, earning NESCAC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors. Senior defensive tackle Pat McGee leads the Jeffs with 17 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Senior safety Jay Hutchins, a two-time NESCAC Defensive Player of the Week and the Jeffs' leading tackler last season, is second on the team with 59 tackles, while linebacker Brian Landolfi '02 leads the team with 10 pass breakups to go along with 47 tackles and a team-high three interceptions. Another senior linebacker, Gregg Stankewicz, has a whopping 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks. On offense, first-year quarterback Marsh Moseley earned his second NESCAC Rookie of the Week award in the last three weeks after finishing 13-for-30 for 138 yards, including his third career touchdown pass, against Trinity. Senior wide receiver Derrell Wright has been a major benefactor of the resurgent passing game, hauling in a team-high 27 receptions for 331 yards and a touchdown, followed by fellow senior wideout Jerimy Hiltner's 14 catches for 237 yards and two touchdowns. With senior Okey Ugwonali and junior Kevin Kennard hampered by injuries, surprising sophomore Fletcher Ladd has given the running game a much-needed lift, posting consecutive 100-yard outings against Tufts and Trinity. He leads the Jeffs with 533 rushing yards and is second in the NESCAC with six rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, Ugwonali and Kennard both returned from injury on Saturday and are right behind Ladd with 444 and 261 yards on the season, respectively, with two touchdowns each. On special teams, junior Geoff Bough has emerged as the NESCAC's leading punter with a conference-best 38.1-yard average, including 17 boots inside the opponent's 20-yard line. First-year place kicker David Bodner has been similarly steady, completing 19-of-20 extra point attempts, while Wright has returned 20 punts for a 7.9-yard average.
AMHERST PROBABLE STARTERS
JEFF OFFENSE
QB Marsh Moseley (5-10, 180, FY)
FB Jeff Ryan (6-1, 219, JR)
TB Okey Ugwonali (5-11, 195, SR)
WR Derrell Wright (6-3, 215, SR)
WR Jerimy Hiltner (6-0, 184, SR)
TE Matt Flavin (6-3, 226, SR)
C Josh Ahearn (6-1, 245, SR)
LT Rob Vernicek (6-6, 292, JR)
RT Brendan Carolan (6-5, 265, JR)
LG Shane Morrow (6-0, 237, SO)
RG Colin Renz (6-1, 240, SR)
JEFF DEFENSE
OLB Gregg Stankewicz (6-0, 220, SR)
OLB Gene Nogi (6-0, 212, SR)
ILB Brian Landolfi (5-11, 202, SR)
ILB Dan Lalli (5-10, 210, SR)
NG Brad Hensley (6-0, 225, SR)
DT Pat McGee (6-4, 245, SR)
DT Pat Hayes (6-2, 215, JR)
CB Paul Whiting (6-1, 185, SO)
CB Geoff Dewire (5-10, 175, SR)
FS Paul Miceli (6-0, 185, JR)
SS Jay Hutchins (5-9, 180, SR)
JEFF SPECIALTY
KR Jason Wagstaff (5-9, 160, FY)
PR Derrell Wright (6-3, 215, SR)
PK David Bodner (5-9, 160, FY)
P Geoff Bough (5-11, 175, JR)
SCOUTING WILLIAMS
Ranked third in New England just behind No. 2 Amherst, Williams enters its 2001 season-finale with a perfect 7-0 record on the strength of one of the NESCAC's most balanced attacks. The Ephs lead the conference in scoring (27.4 ppg) and total offense (402.4 ypg), are second in the NESCAC in defensive scoring average (9.1 ppg) and total offense allowed (237.4 ypg), and they've had just one close game all season (a 21-17 win over Tufts on October 20), trouncing opponents by an average of 18.3 points per game. The Ephs lost to graduation their all-time leading rusher and second-ranked scorer (200 points) in Fred Storz, along with six other starters on offense, but sophomore quarterback Joe Reardon has picked up the slack with a NESCAC-best 123 completions in 178 attempts for 1,497 yards, 13 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Reardon has done a commendable job spreading the wealth as junior Ryan Friend and senior Ryan Brooks - the sixth and seventh leading receivers in the NESCAC, respectively - have each caught 34 passes, combining for 919 yards and five touchdowns. The ground attack is similarly impressive with sophomore Mike Hackett taking over at tailback for Storz. Hackett is the conference's seventh leading rusher with 121 carries for 552 yards and three touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, First-Team All-NESCAC senior linebacker James Kingsley is the Ephs' leading tackler for the second straight season, piling up 54 takedowns through seven games. He leads a defense that's stockpiled an incredible 28 sacks, including a team-high 12 by junior Robert Sherwood. Juniors Johnny Kelly and Scott Farley and senior Ben Sands bring a wealth of game experience to the secondary; all are among Williams's top-five tacklers, while Kelly leads the team with four interceptions. Farley is also an anchor on special teams, returning 15 punts for a 9.4-yard average, including a 73-yard touchdown run, and kicking five field goals in seven attempts with a long of 38 yards. Farley also punts, believe it or not, but only as a backup to senior Jarod Kidd, the NESCAC's sixth leading punter with a 32.4-yard average.
WILLIAMS PROBABLE STARTERS
EPH OFFENSE
TE Sean Collins (6-3, 230, SR)
RT Garrett DiCarlo (6-4, 280, JR)
RG Justin Classen (6-2, 310, JR)
C Dave Fontes (6-2, 265, SR)
LG Hayden Lynch (6-1, 225, SO)
LT Mike Minnefor (6-2, 270, SR)
FL Colin Brooks (6-0, 200, SR)
FB Tyler Shea (5-10, 220, SO)
TB Mike Hackett (5-9, 190, SO)
QB Joe Reardon (6-1, 185, SO)
EPH DEFENSE
DT Robert Sherwood (6-1, 220, JR)
DT Mark Rosenthal (6-2, 235, JR)
DE Ian Wilkofsky (6-3, 350, SR)
DE Wil Gilyard (6-1, 240, SR)
LB Graham Goldwasser (6-2, 214, SO)
LB Dave Ewart (6-1, 210, SR)
DB Johnny Kelly (6-1, 180, JR)
DB Marshall Creighton (6-1, 185, JR)
DB Scott Farley (6-2, 205, JR)
DB Ben Sands (6-2, 195, SR)
EPH SPECIALTY
KR Kellen Williams (5-8, 165, SO)
PR Scott Farley (6-2, 205, JR)
PK Scott Farley (6-2, 205, JR)
P Jarod Kidd (5-10, 180, JR)
AMHERST HEAD COACH E.J. MILLS
Head coach E.J. Mills took the Amherst helm in 1997 after four years as the Lord Jeffs' defensive coordinator. Five seasons and 31 wins later, he is widely recognized as one of the top head coaches in the nation. As an interim coach in his inaugural season, Mills quickly shook the temporary tag with a stellar 7-1 record, an unofficial conference championship and part ownership of the coveted Little Three title. His two ensuing seasons produced consecutive 5-3 records, while last season's club went 7-1 and won the school's first outright Little Three Championship in 14 years. Mills' greatest asset could be his prowess as a defensive coordinator. Under his tutelage, the 1996 Lord Jeffs led the nation in scoring defense, allowing a miniscule 8.4 points per game. The following year, the Jeffs engineered shutouts in three of their first four outings, including a lopsided 38-0 triumph in Mills' head coaching debut. 1998 brought similar results, including a whopping 35 sacks for a total loss of 220 yards, while the 1999 Jeffs surrendered just 11.0 points per game with 63 tackles for loss. In 2000, Mills' squad led the NESCAC and finished fifth in the nation in scoring defense (8.8 pts./gm.). Mills is a graduate of the University of Dayton, where he earned a degree in history and secondary education in 1988. He later earned a master's degree in educational administration at the University of Albany.
WILLIAMS HEAD COACH DICK FARLEY
Dick Farley enters the weekend with a 100-16-3 record after taking over as head coach at Williams in 1987, the second-best mark in NCAA Division III, and had won or tied for every Little Three Title during his accomplished tenure until Amherst upended Williams 20-12 in last year's season-finale. He is the Ephs' all-time winningest coach, ahead of the legendary Charley Caldwell, with 15 consecutive winning seasons to his credit, including undefeated marks in 1989, 1990, 1994 and 1998. Farley has been recognized as National and Regional Coach of the Year on several occasions by a variety of organizations, including the American Football Coaches Association, the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston and the New England Football Writers Association. A 1968 graduate of Boston University, Farley was an All-American defensive back and two-sport captain before embarking on a two-year career with the San Diego Chargers of the now-defunct American Football League. He then coached football and track at Danvers (MA) High School before moving to Williamstown as a Williams assistant in 1972. Farley is also a physical education instructor and serves as an assistant men's and women's outdoor track coach at Williams.
LAST MEETING
On November 11, 2000, Amherst senior Brian Daoust picked off three passes from rookie quarterback Jake Moore, and fellow tri-captain Matt Hall and junior Derrell Wright each tallied over 100 receiving yards as the Jeffs defeated Williams for the first time since 1986, rallying from a 9-0 halftime deficit to earn a 20-12 win and their first outright Little Three title in 14 years. Hall finished the day with four receptions for 101 yards, Wright pulled in eight catches for 122 yards, and junior running back Okey Ugwonali added 18 carries for 107 yards rushing, as the Jeffs racked up 352 yards of total offense - 258 in the second half. Amherst senior quarterback Peter Honig turned in a solid all-around game, finishing 15-for-31 for 230 yards and a touchdown, while junior linebacker Dan Lalli posted a then career-high 15 tackles.
AMHERST LAST TIME OUT
Senior defenders Dan Lalli and Jay Hutchins combined for 34 tackles, and sophomore running back Fletcher Ladd posted his second-consecutive 100-yard game on the ground, carrying 17 times for 126 yards and two touchdowns, as Amherst steamrolled Trinity College, 28-10, in the Jeffs' final home game of the season. First-year quarterback Marsh Moseley had another solid day, finishing 13-for-20 for 138 yards and a touchdown, in addition to 43 yards rushing for the Jeffs, who improved to 7-0 heading into their season-finale at undefeated Williams. The Jeffs did most of their damage offensively in the first half, scoring three times in four possessions to take a commanding 21-3 lead into the halftime intermission, all but sealing the win before the break.
WILLIAMS LAST TIME OUT
With a 31-7 victory at Wesleyan University, Williams ensured that its season-finale against Amherst would be a matchup of unbeatens, while head coach Dick Farley earned his 100th career win, upping his career record to 100-16-3 for a stellar .853 winning percentage. The Ephs racked up 487 yards of total offense, including 294 on the ground, while holding Wesleyan to just 255 total yards and 80 yards rushing. Sophomore running back Mike Hackett led the way with 112 yards on 23 carries, with classmate Tyler Shea adding 56 yards on seven carries, including a 38-yard touchdown run. Sophomore signal caller Joe Reardon completed 15-of-23 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns, and eight different Ephs caught passes, including senior Colin Brooks, who finished with five catches for 44 yards.
AMHERST STATISTICAL LEADERS
PASSING...
Jeff Browne (43-for-92/535 yds./3 int./3 TD passes)
Marsh Moseley (23-for-43/302 yds/2 int/3 TD passes)
RUSHING...
Fletcher Ladd (91 carries/533 yds/6 TD)
Okey Ugwonali (102 carries/444 yds./2 TD)
RECEIVING...
Derrell Wright (27 rec./331 yds./1 TD)
SPECIAL TEAMS...
Derrell Wright (20 punt returns/7.9 avg.)
Geoff Bough (48 punts/38.1 avg.)
WILLIAMS STATISTICAL LEADERS
PASSING...
Joseph Reardon (123-for-178/1,497 yds./5 int./13 TD passes)
RUSHING...
Michael Hackett (121 carries/552 yds./3 TD)
Tyler Shea (36 carries/191 yds./5 TD)
RECEIVING...
Ryan Friend (34 rec./465 yds./4 TD)
Colin Brooks (34 rec./454 yds./1 TD)
SPECIAL TEAMS...
Scott Farley (15 punt returns/9.4 avg.)
Jarod Kidd (35 punts/32.4 avg.)
TEAM STATISTICAL COMPARISONS
AMHERST
Rushing Yards/Per Game: 1,468 yds./209.7 avg.
Passing Yards/Per Game: 923 yds./131.9 avg.
Total Offense/Per Game: 2,391 yds./341.6 avg.
Total Points/Per Game: 145 pts./20.7 avg.
Rushing Allowed/Per Game: 665 yds./95 avg.
Passing Allowed/Per Game: 911 yds./130.1 avg.
Total Offense Allowed/Per Game: 1,576 yds./225.1 avg.
Total Points Allowed/Per Game: 26 pts./3.7 avg.
WILLIAMS
Rushing Yards/Per Game: 1,137 yds./162.4 avg.
Passing Yards/Per Game: 1,680 yds./240.0 avg.
Total Offense/Per Game: 2,817 yds./402.4 avg.
Total Points/Per Game: 192 pts./27.4 avg.
Rushing Allowed/Per Game: 612 yds./87.4 avg.
Passing Allowed/Per Game: 1,050 yds./150.0 avg.
Total Offense Allowed/Per Game: 1,662 yds./237.4 avg.
Total Points Allowed/Per Game: 64 pts./9.1 avg.
2001 AMHERST SCHEDULE/RESULTS
9/22 @ Hamilton W 24-0
9/29 BOWDOIN W 35-0
10/6 MIDDLEBURY W 7-3
10/13 @ Colby W 14-3
10/20 WESLEYAN-hc W 23-0
10/27 @ Tufts W 14-10
11/3 TRINITY W 28-10
11/10 @ Williams* Noon
*broadcast regionally on NESN
2001 WILLIAMS SCHEDULE/RESULTS
9/22 @ Colby W 28-13
9/29 @ Trinity W 31-10
10/6 BATES W 35-14
10/13 @ Middlebury W 23-3
10/20 TUFTS W 21-17
10/27 HAMILTON W 23-0
11/3 @ Wesleyan W 31-7
11/10 AMHERST Noon
AMHERST QUICK FACTS
Location: Amherst, MA
Founded: 1821
Enrollment: Approximately 1,650
Nickname: Lord Jeffs
Conference: NESCAC
Affiliation: NCAA III
Colors: Purple & White
Stadium: Pratt Field (8,000)
President: Tom Gerety
Ath. Director: Peter Gooding
AMHERST FOOTBALL FACTS
Head Coach: E.J. Mills
Alma Mater (Yr.): Dayton ('88)
Jeffs Record: 31-8 (Fifth Season)
Overall Record: 31-8
Basic Offense: Multiple I
Basic Defense: 5-2
WILLIAMS QUICK FACTS
Location: Williamstown, MA
Founded: 1793
Enrollment: 2,000
Nickname: Ephs
Conference: NESCAC
Affiliation: NCAA III
Colors: Purple
Stadium: Weston Field
President: Morton O. Schapiro
Ath. Director: Harry C. Sheehy
WILLIAMS FOOTBALL FACTS
Head Coach: Dick Farley
Alma Mater (Yr.): Boston University ('68)
Eph Record: 100-16-3 (15th season)
Overall Record: 100-16-3
Basic Offense: Pro-Set
Basic Defense: 5-2
LAST WEEK IN THE NESCAC
Tufts 10 at Colby 3
Williams 31 at Wesleyan 7
Bates 38 vs. Bowdoin 35 (OT)
Middlebury 28 vs. Hamilton 9
Amherst 28 vs. Trinity 10
THIS WEEK IN THE NESCAC
Amherst at Williams - Noon
Bates at Hamilton - Noon
Middlebury at Tufts - Noon
Colby at Bowdoin - 12:30 p.m.
Wesleyan at Trinity - 1 p.m.
2001 NESCAC STANDINGS
Amherst (7-0)
Williams (7-0)
Tufts (5-2)
Middlebury (4-3)
Wesleyan (4-3)
Colby (3-4)
Trinity (3-3)
Bates (1-6)
Bowdoin (1-6)
Hamilton (0-7)
AROUND THE NESCAC
Bates junior quarterback Kane Jankoski earned Offensive Player of the Week honors after tying career-highs with 19 completions in 31 attempts for a career-high 250 yards and four touchdowns, as the Bobcats snapped an eight-game losing streak. Tufts sophomore cornerback Mark Tilki intercepted passes on three consecutive Colby possessions in a 10-3 win over Tufts to share Defensive Player of the Week honors with Amherst senior linebacker Dan Lalli. Lalli posted a career-high 18 tackles and forced a fumble in a 28-10 Amherst win over Trinity. Meanwhile, Amherst first-year quarterback Marsh Moseley earned his second Rookie of the Week award, finishing 13-for-20 for 138 yards and one touchdown. Also around the NESCAC, sophomore running back Fletcher Ladd posted his second consecutive 100-yard game, carrying 17 times for 126 yards and two touchdowns for Amherst... Sophomore defensive lineman Kurt Chapman of Bates made seven tackles, including five solo hits. He sacked Bowdoin quarterback Justin Hardison on fourth down in overtime to end the game. Freshman running back Rob Dion rushed 12 times for 49 yards, returned three punts for 48 yards, and caught a 35-yard pass... Senior running back Mike Taylor recorded his second consecutive 100-yard game for Bowdoin, rushing 17 times for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Senior linebacker Andrius Knasas made four solo tackles and returned a fumble six yards for a touchdown... Freshman running back Aaron Stepka rushed 22 times for 117 yards, accounting for two-thirds of his team's offense in a 10-3 Colby loss to Tufts. Sophomore defensive end Peter Sherman recorded seven solo tackles and forced one fumble as Colby limited the Jumbos to 133 yards rushing and 170 yards of total offense... Denny Smith caught seven passes for 108 yards for Middlebury in its 28-9 win over Hamilton. Daryl Tracy made eight tackles, including five for a loss and one sack. Freshman wide receiver Michael Murray caught three passes for 65 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown reception for the Panthers... Junior linebacker David Midura paced Trinity with nine tackles, four of which were for a loss... Tailback Mike Hackett rushed 22 times for 112 yards for Williams, which remained undefeated and gave head coach Dick Farley his 100th career victory (100-16-3).
ECAC NEW ENGLAND DIVISION III RANKINGS
1) Westfield St. (9-0)
2) Amherst (7-0)
3) Williams (7-0)
4) Worcester St. (9-1)
5) Western Connecticut (6-1)
6) Curry (9-1)
7) Plymouth St. (6-3)
8) Tufts (5-2)
9) Nichols (6-3)
10) UMass Dartmouth (6-3)
