AMHERST, Mass. – The Amherst College football team denied a late two-point conversion attempt by Bates College in the closing minutes Saturday to hold on for a 14-6 win in the team's 2014 season opener at Pratt Field.

With the victory, the Jeffs extended their winning streak to seven straight games against its NESCAC foe dating back to 2002 and now lead the all-time series, 23-4-2. Today's meeting marked the first since the 2011 season, in which the Purple & White claimed a 20-7 win on the road.

Amherst relied on its stingy defense once again Saturday, holding the top rushing attack in the conference last year to just 133 yards on the ground and only 246 total yards. The Jeffs held the edge in the passing game, throwing for 215 yards, compared to the Bobcats' 113, while gaining 126 on the ground for 341 yards of total offense.

Alex Berluti '17 threw for 190 yards on 20-of-29 attempts with one touchdown and two interceptions. Nick Kelly '17 led the team in rushing with 77 yards on nine attempts including a 42-yard dash down the left side with 1:06 to play, giving Amherst an eight-point advantage.

Three Jeffs recorded at least 58 yards receiving led by junior Jackson McGonagle's  62 on five receptions. Brian Ragone '16 pulled in a team-high six catches for 58 yards and Gene Garay '15 tallied 59 yards on five catches, including the game's opening touchdown.

Defensively, four Jeffs recorded at least 10 tackles as 2013 First Team All-NESCAC selection Chris Tamasi '15 led the squad with 14 total (7 solo, 7 assists). Senior middle linebacker Ned Deane registered 12 tackles including one for a loss, while Jaymie Spears '16 and Jack Drew '16 recorded 11 and 10, respectively. Spears had a stellar game, in addition to his 11 solo tackles, the junior defensive back also blocked a field goal in the first quarter and pulled in two interceptions.

The Bobcats offense was led by quarterback Matt Cannone, who totaled 57 yards on the ground and 113 yards through the air. However, he went just 17-of-31 with three pics. His favorite target on the day was wide receiver Mark Riley, who pulled in eight catches for 64 yards. 

Bates was led by Mark Upton on the defensive side of the ball with 11 tackles (9 solo, 2 assists), while Ryan Newson recorded 10 (7 solo, 3 assists). Newson also picked off Berluti twice.

The Bobcats had an early opportunity to take advantage of an Amherst miscue but came away with zero points. On just the second play of the game, McGonagle rushed to the left side but was stripped of the ball as Gilbert Brown picked up the fumble recovery.

Just 30 seconds into the game, Bates gained possession deep in their opponent's side of the field. Following a six-yard completion on third-and-five, the visitors had a fresh set of downs with 18-yards to go. However, the Jeffs defense prevailed and forced a Bobcats' field goal. On the attempt, Spears broke through from the left side and blocked the kick as Amherst regained possession.

The Jeffs turned the ball over on the following drive after an interception at the Bates' 30-yardline, but returned the favor at the 5:41 mark when Chris Gow '16 capitalized on a tipped ball and picked off Cannone in the visitor's territory. Six plays later, Berluti found Garay in the endzone to put the Purple & White on top. Following a Phil Nwosu '15 extra-point, the Jeffs led 7-0. 

Both teams were held scoreless in the second and third quarters to set up an entertaining fourth stanza. Up by seven with just under six minutes to play in regulation, the Bobcats punted to the Amherst-35 but a botched attempt led to a Bates recovery. 

Despite not being able to move the ball most of the game, Bates now had good field position and took advantage of their opportunity. Following a five-yard completion to Riley, the Bobcats faced a 4-and-2, and converted as Cannone broke open for 14 yards to an empty left side of the field. Two plays later, on the Amherst two-yardline, the senior quarterback pushed his way through the pile at the goal line to cut the deficit to one with 1:06 left to play. Instead of tying the game, Bates went for the win but Cannone's pass in the endzone was tipped at the line and caught by Ryan Duzyk '15. 

After an offsides call during the onside kick, the Jeffs took over at the Bates' 42. The following play, Kelly sped past his defenders down the left side of the field to increase the lead to eight with 1:06 remaining. The visitors regained possession but couldn't get past the 50-yard mark as the Jeffs defense held strong en route to the 14-6 victory.

Amherst heads on the road for its next contest against Bowdoin on Saturday, Sept. 27. The game is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.