Tag: Henry Atkeson

A Chance to Wrap it Up: Weekend Preview 11/2

The first weekend in November signals the penultimate weekend of NESCAC football, with a chance to crown a champion by Saturday’s end. Will Middlebury solidify their place among the rest of the competition, or will they slip up and allow Williams or Wesleyan back into the picture? Elsewhere, the Jumbos have a trip to Waterville to face off with Colby, who just got their first win of the season last weekend against Bates. Speaking of the ‘Cats, they are set to finish up their CBB slate with a primetime night contest against the Polar Bears in what is sure to be an intense atmosphere. Let’s get to it. 

For a quick update, here’s how each of our writers are doing in their weekly picks:
Ryan Moralejo: 29-6
Haven Cutko: 28-7
Matt Karpowicz: 27-8
Cameron Carlson: 26-9
Spencer Smead: 24-11

Hamilton (4-3) @ Middlebury (7-0), 12:30pm, Middlebury, Vermont

For Middlebuty, the time is finally here: after weeks of clinging to the top spot, while most of the general public assumed they would eventually trip up, the Panthers have defied all odds and are one win away from claiming their first NESCAC Championship since they were crowned co-champions in 2013. It hasn’t been pretty by any means, but credit Coach Ritter and his staff for a fantastic season to date in addition to earning his 100th career win in their victory last week against Bowdoin. They put their guys in a position to disrupt plays and minimize their opponent’s strengths every weekend, and the players have remained level-headed and poised throughout the early gauntlet of their schedule. Now is not the time to sit back. The Panthers will be sure to not take the Continentals lightly after their recent surge up the standings. Their 36-21 victory against Tufts did not do Hamilton justice for their absolute dominating performance on the road, racing out to a 34-7 lead by halftime. Kenny Gray ‘20 is finally rounding into form, and he added to his recent uptick in quality play by throwing for 236 yards and three touchdowns. Although David Kagan ‘20 was held to just 39 yards, reserve tailback Joe Park ‘22 made it clear that there would be no drop off in production with a career-high 126 yard performance. The Continentals will need to keep their ground game churning against a stout Panthers’ front seven that is second in the conference in rushing yards allowed per game.

The biggest challenge will be Hamilton’s defense versus Middlebury’s offense; what was (for the majority of the season) a below-average defense has been performing well in recent weeks in large part because they’ve continued to force turnovers. Hamilton sits tied for second in the league with seventeen, including multiple takeaways in six of their seven games. WIth the offense finally clicking, those turnovers are being converted into points, and it is clear that this combination has transformed the New Yorkers into a legitimate upset pick for this Saturday. Given the fact that Will Jernigan ‘21 has a tendency to cough up the ball (6 interceptions and 6 fumbles to date), his focus should be on remaining patient and letting the plays develop in front of him; the Continentals are still allowing 373.4 yards and 28 points per game, so it’s more about making smart decisions and not forcing passes into tight windows or holding onto the ball too long. I really want to pick Hamilton just so the last week of NESCAC football is more entertaining, but I believe the Panthers will rally after digging themselves a hole early on, clinching the NESCAC Championship on Senior Day.  

Picks: 
RM: Middlebury 33, Hamilton 27 
HC: Middlebury 31, Hamilton 27
MK: Middlebury 35, Hamilton 20
CC: Middlebury 31, Hamilton 27
SS: Middlebury 35, Hamilton 20

Writers’ Pick: Middlebury

Tufts (3-4) @ Colby (1-6), 1:00pm, Waterville, Maine

I’ll be honest: I have no real confidence in either team. On paper, Tufts most certainly possesses the better team, but its plethora of individual talent hasn’t been nearly enough to win games. Tufts disappointing season is, in large part, due to the team’s inability to play a well-rounded game. The 49-0 drubbing they handed to Bowdoin gave me a slight indication that the Jumbos might have figured it out, but once again, the defense fell apart. The Jumbos must do something on that side of the ball to stifle the Mules’ offense, such as creating more blitz packages. Turnovers haven’t been in abundance for the defense this season (second worst with only 6 forced), but the Mules have coughed up the football 6 times over the past three weeks. Matt Hersch ‘22 played really well in the first half against Bates, but he was a no-show for the remaining 30 minutes. The special teams was an absolute disaster, with Moises Celaya ‘22 missing an extra point and having both a field goal and a punt blocked. Furthermore, a bad snap cost Celaya 15 yards and gave Bates a chance to tie or win the game in the final minute. Their special teams play has to be impeccable if they want to hang around with the Jumbos on Saturday. Colby is probably more fired up to play Tufts than vice-versa based on recent results, but I’m sticking with the Jumbos in a high-scoring affair. 

Picks: 
RM: Tufts 43, Colby 27
HC: Tufts 23, Colby 6
MK: Tufts 35, Colby 10
CC: Tufts 42, Colby 10
SS: Tufts 21, Colby 13

Writers’ Pick: Tufts

Trinity (4-3) @ Amherst (4-3), 1:00pm, Amherst, Massachusetts

It’s really quite odd to have both of these perennial powerhouses already eliminated from the NESCAC Championship race with two games remaining on the season, and they each suffered significant defeats this past weekend. For the Bantams, their three-game winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Ephs and its ferocious front seven, who constantly harassed quarterback Seamus Lambert ‘22 and bottled up running back Tijani Harris ‘22 (27 carries for 42 yards). Granted, Williams does boast the league’s best defense in terms of points allowed per game, but this is Trinity we’re talking about. With the talent that Trinity has, it’s simply a disappointment that the offense has looked so volatile, especially after exhibiting the capability to hang 60 points.

Amherst would, in theory, should present another tough challenge for the Bantams’ offense, but I’m not sure how much this team has left in the tank from an emotional standpoint. Of course they’ll be ready for next week’s rivalry game against the Ephs, but you have to think that their rather shocking loss to the Cardinals leaves them shaking their heads at what could have been. Although quarterback Ollie Eberth ‘20 turned the ball over twice in the first half, Amherst managed to find themselves leading the visitors 28-21 entering the fourth quarter. A Cardinals’ touchdown tied it with roughly twelve minutes remaining, and Eberth failed to gain a first down on his remaining possessions in regulation. In overtime, Henry Atkeson ‘20 had an opportunity to clinch the game with a 24 yard field goal after fellow kicker Mason Von Jess ‘23 nailed the right upright from 18 yards out, but the senior endured the same result. To make things worse, Eberth threw his third interception on the ensuing possession in double overtime, allowing the Cardinals to convert their own game-winning field goal. Amherst knows they shouldn’t have lost to Wesleyan, just like how they shouldn’t have lost to Hamilton or Middlebury. This team simply doesn’t know how to close out a game, and I’m more confident siding with the team who tends to respond after suffering defeat. 

Picks: 
RM: Trinity 27, Amherst 17
HC: Trinity 27, Amherst 26
MK: Trinity 38. Amherst 20
CC: Trinity 27, Amherst 21
SS: Amherst 31, Trinity 24

Writers’ Pick: Trinity

Williams (6-1) @ Wesleyan (6-1), 1:00pm, Middletown, Connecticut

This is our game of the week, but the Cardinals showed some life in their come-from-behind victory against the Mammoths. Ashton Scott ‘22 is the real deal, and Matthew Simco ‘22 is a big playmaker that will give any defense problems; but this is the best defensive unit in the NESCAC, and their double-digit road victory against Trinity reaffirms my belief that this is the best and most complete team in the league. In a battle of one-loss foes, it’ll be Williams who dominates the time of possession and makes life hard on Scott. Ephs fans will be simultaneously praying that Hamilton can knock off Middlebury and keep the championship race open for one more week. 

Picks: 
RM: Williams 36, Wesleyan 20
HC: Williams 27, Wesleyan 13
MK: Williams 25, Wesleyan 16
CC: Williams 28, Wesleyan 14
SS: Williams 31, Wesleyan 21

Writers’ Pick: Williams

Bowdoin (0-7) @ Bates (0-7), 5:30pm, Lewiston, ME

Welcome to the 2019 Toilet Bowl featuring (for the second consecutive year) Bates and Bowdoin. All jokes aside, for the Bobcats, last week’s battle against the Mules gives me room for optimism heading into Saturday’s clash. Colby punched Bates in the mouth right from the get-go, racing out to a 23-0 lead. The Bobcats could have folded right then and there, but Jackson Hayes’ ‘22 47-yard touchdown reception as time expired gave the ‘Cats some momentum heading into the second half. For the remaining 30 minutes, Bates absolutely dominated the Mules on both sides of the ball. The defense stifled Colby’s offense to the tune of just 78 total second half yards, while Brendan Costa ‘21 and the offense nearly doubled that number. The special teams unit gave Celaya nightmares all second half, ignited by senior captain Jon Lindgren’s field goal block with 4:46 left in the third quarter.

The Bobcats were potentially one dropped pass away from forcing overtime, and while you have to account for the emotional toll the game had on the players, I see no reason why the ‘Cats won’t come out fired up for this game. Not only is it the last game for Bates in 2019, but the 5:30 pm kickoff will surely bring a large crowd ready to cheer their team to victory. In a similar scenario last season, Bowdoin embarrassed Bates 31-14 en route to their only win of 2018; you have to think for Bates, revenge is right at the forefront of their minds. It was only one game, but Costa looked much better against the Mules and should have success against a Polar Bears’ defense that is still allowing over 40 points and 465 yards per game. Emotions will be on full display during a physical first fifteen minutes, but I trust Bates’ offense to put up around 30 points on Bowdoin’s defense, a number Bowdoin’s offense hasn’t achieved in the score column all season. The Bobcats have lost 17 consecutive games, but that streak ends with an emphatic win this Saturday night. 

Picks:
RM: Bates 34, Bowdoin 17
HC: Bowdoin 24, Bates 17
MK: Bates 28, Bowdoin 14
CC: Bates 29, Bowdoin 17
SS: Bates 24, Bowdoin 17

Writers’ Pick: Bates

Mixing Things Up: Week 2 Power Rankings

(4) 1. Middlebury (2-0)

6.5 points. That’s what this Middlebury defense is allowing through the first two games of the season. While this number is (in all likelihood) unsustainable as we venture deeper into the season, it undoubtedly sets the tone going forward in addition to letting fellow conference opponents that scoring multiple times on this defense will be quite a challenge. Quarterback Will Jernigan ‘21 didn’t even need to rely on his legs this past Saturday against Bates, as the junior threw for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns. What’s more impressive is that despite the absence of running back Peter Scibilia ‘20, the Panther offense is averaging a league-best 23 first downs per game; this number tells me the Panthers are sustaining long drives and winning the time of possession battle, which is key for keeping the defense off the field and rested. That defensive prowess will be challenged mightily at home against the Bantams this coming Saturday.

(5) 2. Williams (1-1)

Yes they’re 1-1, so what? Saturday’s annihilation of Tufts was extremely impressive: the Ephs put up 34 points by half and could have easily hung 50 on the Jumbos. Frank Stola ‘21 had the Jumbos’ secondary on skates all afternoon, breaking multiple school records in receptions (13), receiving yards (233) and touchdowns (4) in a single game. Bobby Maimaron ‘21 also had a fantastic bounce-back game, accounting for nearly 400 all-purpose yards and all five scores. The defense has been superb through two games, allowing a combined 25 points to Middlebury and Tufts, two of the better teams in the ‘CAC. Up next is a Bye, errr, I mean Bowdoin.

(1) 3. Amherst (2-0)

The people down in Amherst won’t be too pleased seeing their undefeated squad behind a one-loss team, and the fact that it’s Williams will further infuriate Mammoth supporters. However, let’s put this into perspective: Williams could easily be 2-0, losing on a last-minute touchdown on the road to Middlebury, then turned around and throttled a team that defeated Trinity. On the other hand, Amherst has defeated bottom dwellers Bates and Colby by 14 points each. Wins are wins, but neither of them was done in convincing fashion. The offense in particular has started slowly and is highly inefficient in the red zone, coming away with points on just three of nine times. Conor Kennelly ’22 went 2/4 on field goals against Bates, and followed up that performance by having a field goal and extra point blocked against Colby. Punter Henry Atkeson ‘20 actually took over for Kennelly midway through the game, converting a field goal before having a 34 yarder of his own blocked. Ollie Eberth ‘20 (on top of not leading a touchdown drive when inside the opponent’s 25 yard line) is only completing 54% of his passes, and has an interception in both games. Tougher defenses await the Mammoths, and this offensive inefficiency will not put them in a position to win the NESCAC Championship. 

(3) 4. Trinity (1-1)

Bowdoin had no answer for DeVante Reid or the rest of the Bantam offense 

It’s safe to say the Bantams’ offense had some frustrations to let out after failing to eclipse 10 points against the Jumbos. Poor Bowdoin served as a punching bag en route to a 61-7 demolition. Seamus Lambert ‘22 had virtually zero problems throwing the ball, racking up an astounding 391 yards and five touchdowns on a mere 13 completions. Surprisingly enough, the leading receiver for Trinity on Saturday was not Jonathan Girard ‘21 or Koby Schofer ‘20, but sophomore DeVante Reid ‘22. After catching three passes for zero yards against Tufts, Reid burst onto the scene with a monstrous game in which he caught six passes for 246 yards and four TD’s. Trinity clearly boasts the best receiving corps in the NESCAC, and it’ll need all of them to excel on the road in what most certainly is a do-or-die game against Middlebury.

(6) 5. Wesleyan (2-0)

The Cardinals continue to trend in the right direction, but Saturday’s game against Hamilton was (for 45 minutes) a little too close for comfort. Leading 14-10 at the start of the fourth quarter, Ashton Scott ‘22 led an 8 play, 80 yard drive to give Wesleyan a two-score lead, and a late pick-six from Ben Thaw ‘20 finally put the game out of reach. The defense continues to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, forcing a league-leading eight turnovers, six sacks, and is allowing a mere 10 ppg. Scott is completing close to 61% of his passes, and boasts a 6:1 touchdown to interception ratio. He’ll look to keep it going against a very porous Bobcat defense.

(2) 6. Tufts (1-1)

Everything came crashing down for the Jumbos in Williamstown. The same defense that stifled Trinity allowed 503 yards against Williams; in fact, Tufts allowed more yards to Williams in the first half (289) than to Trinity in the entire game (281) (the fact that Frank Stola abused their secondary makes me seriously consider how the WR combo at Trin didn’t make any sort of impact). Furthermore, quarterback Jacob Carroll ‘20 was benched late in the first half for freshman Trevon Woodson ‘23 after completing just 8 passes and tossing an interception. Woodson was more explosive with the ball (12/17 for 124 yards and 13 rushes for 79 yards) but turned the ball over twice. This is not the type of controversy you want to have before facing Amherst, so it will be interesting to see who Coach Civetti rolls out to start the game Saturday. 

(7) 7. Hamilton (1-1)

David Kagan continued to run well for the Continentals despite the loss

As previously mentioned in the Cardinals’ synopsis, the Continentals hung around for 3+ quarters on Saturday before fading off. Running back David Kagan ‘20 had another solid performance, totaling 94 yards on 16 attempts and hauling in seven receptions for an additional 46 yards. Kagan now leads all running backs in yards per game by a sizable margin, and given quarterback Kenny Gray’s ‘20 struggles as of late, Kagan should be getting 25+ touches a game. Until defenses begin to zone in on the run, there’s no reason a guy averaging 8 yards a carry shouldn’t be touching the ball as frequently as possible. Colby’s defense should not only provide Kagan room to run, but the Mules’ poor pass defense should give Gray a chance to redeem himself for his performance against the Cardinals.  

(8) 8. Colby (0-2)

I really thought this team could potentially achieve 4 wins with a few upsets this season, but two weeks in and that thought is far gone. The offense has been just average in terms of yardage gained, but quarterback Matt Hersh ‘22 really struggled against Amherst (155 yards and an INT). The defense has been downright atrocious against teams with solid but not fantastic offensive units, allowing close to 430 yards per game; what’s more concerning is that the run defense is virtually non-existent, allowing 215 yards per game. Hamilton is a winnable game, but if the defensive line continues to allow 200+ yards on the ground, the Mules will leave New York 0-3. 

(9) 9. Bates (0-2)

The losing streak is now at 12 for the Bobcats stretching back to 2017, and Saturday’s no-show against the Panthers provided more questions than answers on both ends of the ball. Bates is averaging a league-worst 6.5 ppg and does not have a quarterback it can rely on to consistently move the ball downfield. Brendan Costa ‘21 is last in the NESCAC in passing yards/game and efficiency rating amongst starters. He was benched for freshman Liam Foley ‘23 midway through Saturday’s til with Middlebury, but he fared no better, going 7-19 for 58 yards. Combined, the two quarterbacks have thrown for 281 yards through two games…eight other NESCAC quarterbacks have single-handedly surpassed that number, and three of them have higher single-game passing yard performances. The run defense is not too shabby, but the secondary (specifically the corners) are playing abysmally at the moment, allowing 264 yards per game. Next week’s visit to Wesleyan should* be easier on the defense, but the offense might see more of the same problems. 

(10) 10. Bowdoin (0-2)

We knew Bowdoin would be near the bottom of the standings upon entering 2019, but 61 points to any opponent is embarrassing. It was like watching an FBS team take on a pretty bad FCS team, to be quite honest. The offense failed to surpass 200 total yards after a respectable showing against Hamilton, and more trouble awaits them when they hit the road to take on Williams. The Polar Bears are averaging well under 100 yards per game on the ground, and desperately need someone in that department to step up and help quarterback Austin McCrum ‘21.

The Road Back from Heartbreak: Amherst Football Preview 2019

2018 Record: 8-1

Projected 2019 Record: 7-2

Projected Offensive Starters (*5 Returning)

QB – Ollie Eberth ‘20*

RB – Biafra Okoronkwo ‘20

WR – Turner Garland ‘21

WR – James O’Regan ‘20*

WR – Joe Masterson ‘21*

TE – Justin Berry ’20*

C – Dan Papa ’20*

RT – Brendan Coleman ’20*

OL – Jacob Ayyub ’21

OL – Nick Diprinzio ’22

OL – Peter Jerome ’20

Projected Defensive Starters (*4 Returning)

CB – Avery Saffold ‘20*

CB – Ricky Goodson ‘21

DB – John Ballard ‘20*

DB – Matt Durborow ‘21*

LB – Matt Schiano ‘22

LB – John Schiano ‘22

LB – Manny Malone ‘22

DL – Alex Katchadurian ‘20

DL – Joe Kelly ‘21

DL – Flynn McGilvray ‘22

DL – Greg Franklin ‘20*

Projected Specialists (*2 Returning) 

PK – Henry Atkeson ‘20

P – Henry Atkeson ‘20*

KR/PR – Joe Masterson ‘21*

Offensive MVP: QB Ollie Eberth ‘20

The Amherst offense entirely revolves around it’s 6’2’’, 185 lb dual-threat quarterback. A two-year starter, Eberth enters his final campaign with the Mammoths in search of an elusive NESCAC Championship, one that slipped through his fingers in 2018 after suffering Amherst’s lone loss of the season against Trinity. Despite falling short of the ultimate goal, the Massachusetts native had a season to remember, finishing second in passing yards per game and fifteenth in total rushing yards en route to an All-Conference First Team selection. James O’Regan ‘20 is back to receive the bulk of Eberth’s targets in the passing game, but losing fellow wide receiver Bo Berluti ‘19 (44 rec, 610 yds, 4 TD’s) certainly hurts. On the ground, the combination of Eberth and running back Biafra Okoronkwo (95 carries for 581 yards and 4 TD’s in 2018) will be the focal point for Coach Mills and the Mammoth offense. All in all, Eberth is the true conductor on the offensive side of the ball and will be counted on time and time again to carry the Mammoths with his arm and legs in 2019. 

Defensive MVP: DL Joe Kelly ‘21

Senior Greg Franklin is the lone returning starter on the defensive line for Amherst, but it’s Kelly that i’m selecting to break out in wake of two-time NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year Andrew Yamin’s departure. He finished second on the team (and tied for sixth in the conference) with 4.5 sacks as just a second-teamer, and with Franklin likely receiving most of the attention early on in the season, Kelly could burst onto the scene. He finished the 2018 season on a strong note, registering at least .5 sacks in five of his last six games. With another spring/summer of refining his game and improving under the tutelage of defensive wizard Coach Mills, Kelly is my pick to emerge as the star of the defensive line. 

Biggest Game: November 2nd vs. Trinity 

Amherst could very well be undefeated when they welcome the reigning NESCAC Champions, the Trinity Bantams, on senior day. Last season’s matchup ended up serving as the de-facto Championship game, with the Bantams snagging a 27-16 win after Max Chipouras ‘19 busted a game-clinching 70 yard run with under three minutes left in the fourth quarter. An early tilt with Tufts will be a tough game, but I’m not as high on the Jumbos after the departure of Ryan McDonald ‘19. Even without Chipouras, the Bantams are still the team to beat in the NESCAC, so the rematch between these two football giants will surely be one of the most entertaining matchups of the 2019 season. 

Team Slogan for 2019: #Crankit

Not the most creative slogan I’ve come across in recent years, plus there’s too many ways to run with this hashtag in a negative connotation. Rating: 4.5/10 

Everything Else: 

Despite the talent on this squad, there are undoubtedly glaring holes on both sides of the ball. On the offensive end, the Mammoths lost three starters on the line. Juniors Eric Papa and Brendan Coleman will be tasked with leading the group, but Amherst will have to find five guys that can gel together and protect their quarterback.  There are questions amongst the receivers as well; O’Regan and Berluti combined for 83 of the team’s 124 receptions, but the latter graduated in the spring. The only other player with double digit receptions last season was tight end Justin Berry ‘20 (11 receptions). Masterson was electric in the return game during 2018, but he’s being thrust into the WR2 position despite catching a mere eight targets last season. Masterson and others such as Turner Garland ‘21 and Brendan Popovich ‘20 need to emerge to give Eberth options and keep opposing defenses honest. 

Matt Albino ‘21 and Greg Franklin ‘20 are looking to create havoc on the defensive line in wake of Andrew Yamin’s departure

Defensively, the Mammoths are strong at the back end. Three of the four returnees on defense reside at the corner and safety positions, and there is plenty of depth. The major question revolves at linebacker. In addition to Yamin, (who was more of a pass rush specialist despite being listed at the BUCK position), Amherst has to replace two more starters (Andrew Sommer ‘19 and John Callahan ‘19) and key reserve Jack Barrett ‘19. The quartet of linebackers accounted for 189 tackles, 15 sacks, and four interceptions. That is A LOT of production to replace in one season, and trusted to take over are (from what I can tell) three sophomores that have minimal playing experience. One possibility to ensure some more stability to the position is moving corner Ricky Goodson ‘21 back to outside linebacker; he played linebacker in high school, so at the very least he would bring knowledge to the position. I’m not too worried about the defensive line position – despite the lack of returning starters, guys like Kelly, Alex Katchadurian ‘20 and Flynn McGilvray ‘22 were key role players on last year’s team and will fill the void. 

Looking at the schedule, I do think it will take time for the Mammoths to find their footing on both sides of the ball; their opening two games are perfect to work out the kinks, as they host Bates before traveling to Colby. If the Mammoths can beat the Jumbos (which I believe they will), they have a real shot at entering the Trinity matchup at 7-0. Trinity is still the clear favorite to repeat as NESCAC Champions, but Amherst has the pieces and talent to run the table early and give the Bantams a run for their money. 

The Stampede is Gonna Hunt You Down: Amherst College Season Preview

The Stampede is Gonna Hunt You Down: Amherst College Season Preview

Amherst has an easy opening schedule and should be ready to go by the time they face a powerhouse opponent.

2017 Record: 7-2

Projected Record: 8-1

Projected offensive starters (*7 returning)

QB – Oliver Eberth ’20*

RB – Jack Hickey ’19*

WR — Will Kelsch ‘19

WR – Bo Berluti ‘19*

WR – James O’Reagan ‘20*

TE — Harry Boeschenstein ‘20

C – Dan Papa ’20*

LG – Jack Tyrell ’19*

LT – Brendan Coleman ’20*

RG – Jack Griffiths ’19

RT – Nick DiPrinzio ’22

Projected defensive starters (*11 returning)

CB – Nate Tyrell ’19*

CB – Avery Saffold ’20*

DB– John Rak ’19*

DB— John Ballard ’20*

LB – Jack Barrett ’19*

LB – John Callahan ’19*

LB —Andrew Sommer ’19*

DE/LB – Andrew Yamin ’19*

DL – Greg Franklin ’20*

DL – Matt Albino ’21*

DL – Blaine Fox ’20*

Projected specialists (*2 returning)

PK – John Rak ’19*/Andrew Ferrero ’19

P – Henry Atkeson ’20*

KR/PR – Avery Saffold ’20/Trey Jarmon ‘20

 

I wouldn’t want to face this team, I’m sure some other NESCAC foes feel the same way.

Offensive MVP:

Jack Hickey ’19

RB Jack Hickey ‘19

Hickey will look to make a name for himself this season as the best tailback in the NESCAC. Max Chipouras has held the title the last few seasons, but Hickey has been hot on his tail. The Mammoths should hold possessions longer than the Bantams this year with a better QB, and Hickey’s strong O-line anchored by Dan Papa, Jack Tyrell, and Brendan Coleman should open up holes for him to run in. He averaged a ridiculous 6 yards per carry and totaled 640 yards on the ground and nine TDs. He split carries with Hasani Figueroa last year, limiting his overall touches, but since Figueroa is out of the picture, Hickey could figure to handle a bigger workload and surpass Chipouras as the NESCAC lead rusher.

Defensive MVP:

Andrew Yamin ’19

DE/LB Andrew Yamin ’19

As Amherst switches between the 3-4 and 4-3 defense, Yamin switches between defensive end and linebacker, called the buck position. He was one of many reasons why Amherst had the best defense in the league in 2017 and should likely hold that title in 2018. They are masters at stopping the run game and Yamin’s versatility should really shine through in his final campaign as he looks to best his All-NESCAC and All-New England season with 54 tackles, 13.5 sacks and take the Mammoths back to the promise land. There is a statistical discrepancy, however, as Herosports posted that he only had 12.5 sacks, but regardless, he is any NESCAC QB’s worst nightmare.

Regardless of how many sacks he had in 2017, Yamin will terrorize opponent QBs this season.

Biggest Game: November 3rd @ Trinity

Amherst needs to take this one from the Bantams, and if everything I’ve said before this point is correct, they should beat them with some attitude. Assuming all else goes to their plan, this game could be an explanation point in a dominant season and it would show that  Amherst hasn’t just come to win, they’ve come to embarrass the conference in 2018. Watch out chickens, it’s time to get plucked.

Best Tweet:

https://twitter.com/AmherstCollFB/status/1036300487295942656

I don’t know how you could best a video of an offensive lineman catching a punt, so there’s no need to try. Amherst has some inspiring material on their twitter that really got my blood pumping for football, but Dan Papa couldn’t have looked more graceful on this reception and if he ever got back there during a game, I think I’d lose it.

Everything Else:

Ollie Eberth did a remarkable job in his first campaign as a starter last season, pushing former NESCAC POY Reece Foy mostly out of the picture. He did a great job of finding his two favorite targets in Bo Berluti and James O’Reagan and should continue to do so this year with a receiving corps falling second only to Middlebury. Amherst has the most balanced offensive attack of any team with both ground and air games that should rank among the league’s best, making them particularly difficult to defend.

Eberth should continue the success he put up in 2017.

Amherst’s team really looks scary to opponents on the defensive side. Last season they ranked second with 103.6 yards per game allowed on the ground and have many returners for the new season. Nate Tyrell and All-NESCAC CB Avery Saffold should anchor the secondary which is just another strong point in a loaded team that ranked #1 in the conference with just 168 passing yards/game allowed. K/DB John Rak and John Ballard should each improve on their past seasons and limit most of the NESCAC receivers. The Amherst red zone defense was their only weak point last season, allowing the fourth most total point at 19.2 per contest but allowing the fewest yards. That trend might change though as Jack Barrett, John Callahan, and Andrew Sommer will return in the linebacking core and Greg Franklin, Matt Albino, and Blaine Fox will set up on the D-line. Amherst has a ton of returning talent and looks like the strongest all around team on paper with Wesleyan right with them. Amherst will be one of the favorites to bring home the NESCAC crown and barring injuries and breakout players from other teams, I wouldn’t be surprised if they secured it.