Williams lost to the Tufts Jumbos 27-24.
No Quit
Uncharacteristically, Williams was a disastrous 3 for 6 in the red zone with two interceptions and a turnover on downs. The Ephs threw two more interceptions on the day and were 4 of 13 on third down. Yet the game still came down to a final onside kick that the Jumbos recovered.
Super Mario
The Ephs saddest loss on the day wasn’t on the scoreboard. A highlight 46-yard scamper by running back Mario Fischetti ended as the senior was dragged down from behind by a Tufts defender. Fischetti had to be carried off the field and watched the rest of the game on crutches with his leg wrapped stoutly from knee to toe.
Un-flagging Interest
The game was remarkable in its lack of penalties. Only three flags flew on the day, one against the Ephs. While both teams played with discipline, on other days more penalties would have been called. While inconsistency is its own challenge, it was encouraging to see the outcome decided by the players.
Cardinal Virtue
The Ephs begin Little Three play on Saturday at 1pm in Middletown. Wesleyan comes into the game at 6-1. With few individual NESCAC leaders, the defensive unit nevertheless ranks first in scoring, total yards, passing and rushing. The Cardinal offense has been middling at best, and they’ve given up a league high 22 sacks. Wesleyan’s offense is led by senior QB Nico Candido and senior WR Chase Wilson, who is averaging 100 receiving yards per game, second in NESCAC. The Cardinals are not without vulnerability, their loss coming 24-13 to a 2-5 Bates team (that also beat Middlebury on Saturday). Wesleyan defeated Amherst last week 31-14.