Going 25-1 in the previous three seasons is a clear indication that expectations are sky high for the Amherst College football team and longtime head coach E.J. Mills.
But some key pieces from last year’s unbeaten team will be missing, including quarterback Reece Foy, who came into the season as the starter but tore his ACL in preseason and will be out for the year. Senior Alex Berluti will start in his place when AC opens the season against Hamilton, Saturday at 1 p.m. at Pratt Field.
“I have some game experience,” Berluti said. “It was unfortunate what happened to Reece, but that’s why we are on a team. You stay ready, and my number is being called again so it’s another opportunity to help the team.”
Berluti only threw one pass last season resulting in an interception. However, in the 2014 season, Berluti played in four games, throwing for 408 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
“Alex has played a lot of football for us,” Mills said. “He is a senior. He is a very talented player. We think Alex is more than capable and we are excited to see what he can bring to the offense.”
Mills has built a model of consistency within the program. Since 2009, the team has a 51-5 record under him. The 2016 team will look to continue the dominance and defend its NESCAC championship for a fourth straight season.
“Those (accomplishments) were done by other teams. We are trying to find our own identity,” Mills said. “This is an unproven group and we are excited to see what they can do on Saturday.”
Amherst will need to replace its two biggest weapons from last year — leading rusher Kenny Adinkra and leading receiver Jackson McGonagle, who both graduated. Shouldering the running game will be sophomore Jack Hickey, who averaged 6.8 yards per carry last season.
And, with four key defensive players gone, look for the defensive-minded Mills to get creative mixing and matching different players on defense early in the season.
Amherst kicks off its season with Hamilton, a team it hasn’t played since 2013. Hamilton, which finished 2-6 last season, won two of its last three games under second year head coach Dave Murray.
“They are getting better players, they are building a program, and this is a very dangerous team” Mills said.
Amherst faces some familiar competition in the NESCAC with Trinity College being among the biggest threats.
Trinity returns its ground game led by Williston Northampton graduate Max Chipouras, who led the league in rushing touchdowns as a freshman.
“NESCAC is such a tough league,” said Mills. “Up and down, every week is a championship week.”
Trinity finished first in total defense last year, allowing 253.3 yards per game. Trinity hosts Amherst on Nov. 5, a week before AC closes the season with rival Williams at Pratt Field.