AMHERST — Wesleyan, after missing two potential game-winning field goals at the end of regulation and overtime, silenced the resounding Amherst College crowd as its third try sealed a 31-28 double-overtime victory, Saturday.
“There’s no secret formula to winning,” Amherst wide receiver Brendan Popovich said. “We’re going to come out hard and try to win every play. Obviously we’ll hope for a different result but it’s nothing crazy.”
Amherst (4-3) also had a potential game-winning field goal not go its way.
The Mammoths faced third down inside the 5-yard line in the first overtime. Instead of trying one more time for a touchdown, they sent the field goal unit out, and the kick hit the left upright.
Amherst quarterback Ollie Eberth had four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing) to go along with 167 yards passing and 92 yards rushing, but also threw three interceptions. The third interception occurred on the first play of the second overtime, which gave the Cardinals a shot to win the game.
Wesleyan (6-1) torch the Amherst defense for three touchdowns of over 36 yards. The third, a 61-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ashton Scott to wide receiver Matthew Simco, tied the game at 28.
“This is our third loss coming at the end of regulation or overtime,” Popovich said. “Guys are hurting but our team doesn’t have any quit. There’s a reason these games come down to the very end.”
Amherst hosts Trinity next Saturday, the last home game of the season.
“We have two more games left,” Popovich said. “Our senior class has two more games left. We’re ready to roll and ready to finish off the year strong.”