Senior defensive back Ryan Newson intercepted two passes, forced a fumble, and tied a career high with 10 tackles as Bates football nearly upset Amherst, earning Bobcat of the Week honors for the week of Sept. 15-21.
A native of Stanhope, N.J., Newson intercepted Lord Jeff quarterback Alex Berluti once in the first quarter and again in the third period before forcing the fumble that led to Bates’ scoring drive in the fourth quarter.
After senior punter David Kurey sent a punt 42 yards, Newson jarred the ball loose from the Amherst returner, and classmate Pat Gilligan recovered the ball. The Bobcats then drove 35 yards for their touchdown but could not convert the two-point try which would have given them an 8-7 lead.
Bates could not recover the ensuing onside kick, and Amherst tacked on a late touchdown to escape with a 14-6 home win in the season opener for both teams.
Newson recorded 10 tackles for the second time in his career. The Lenape Valley High School product also accomplished the feat in last year’s 20-16 victory over Tufts.
Next, Bates plays at Tufts on Saturday at 1 p.m.
