The football team fell to Amherst over Homecoming weekend, 17-10, in front of a large crowd of fans out on the brisk, sunny Saturday afternoon.
Amherst struck first with a touchdown early putting it up 7-0. Wesleyan responded early in the second on an eight-play, 53-yard scoring drive that culminated in a connection between quarterback Blake DuBois ’12 and running back Vince Miller ’12.
Later in the second quarter the Cardinal offense drove down to the Amherst six-yard line and was stopped on third down, setting up a field goal by Chirs Helsel ’09. Wesleyan’s 10-7 lead was the first time it has led over the Lord Jeffs since 2002.
All day, DuBois was throwing underneath and swing passes to receiver Kevin Leamy ’09, who tied the record for most catches in a game with 14 catches. Leamy tallied 96 yards through the air.
After Helsel’s kick gave Wesleyan the lead, the Lord Jeffs got themselves into the red zone with 3:39 left in the second quarter, desperately looking to score before the half. The Wesleyan defense held them to a field goal and the teams went into the halftime locker room all knotted up, 10—10.
Amherst put together another successful drive in the third quarter with a heavy running game. The team marched down the field to take the 17-10 lead early in the third quarter.
Wesleyan’s offense stuttered at the beginning of the second half, struggling to get first downs. On the other side of the ball, the defense held strong the rest of the game, holding Amherst to just 17 points. Twice in the fourth quarter, the Cardinal defense stalled Amherst drives, giving the ball back to the offense for several chances to tie the game.
Leading the yeomen defensive efforts were linebackers Cyprian Oyamba ’12, who had 12 tackles, and linebacker Dominic Gibson ’10, who had 10 tackles. Defensive back Drew Dominguez ’09 caused Amherst’s sole turnover with a pick in the first half.
On its final two drives in the fourth quarter, the Cardinal offense drove down the field but both times the drives were halted by interceptions—Amherst’s only two picks of the day.
Although they were underdogs coming in, the Cards put up a good fight against the Lord Jeffs in a game that was entertaining for alumni, parents and students.
Next week the Cards will take on Bowdoin at home. Both teams have identical records of 1-4. Students who will be away for fall break can webcast the game via the football team webpage.
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