CLINTON, N.Y. –  Hamilton College football, trailing by two touchdowns in the first half, came all the way back to defeat Bates College 24-21 on Saturday afternoon in the NESCAC season-finale for both teams.

The victory allows the Continentals (1-8) to avoid a winless campaign while the Bobcats end the year at 2-8.

The game started with the momentum squarely in Bates' favor. On their first possession, the Bobcats marched 87 yards down the field in just 3:53, capped off by a 26-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Colton Bosselait to wide receiver Jake Walters (So.), for an early 7-0 lead (Marcos Ruiz extra point).

Bates extended its advantage in the second quarter, as running back Ryan Lynskey (So.) punched it in from one yard out to cap a 9-play, 28-yard drive that ate up 5:20 of clock. The Bobcats now led 14-0 and appeared to be in control.

With the clock winding down in the second quarter, Hamilton's offense finally found its rhythm. Quarterback Luke Kurzum led a methodical drive, connecting with Lucas Perez-Segnini for a 3-yard touchdown pass as time expired in the first half (Carmelo Velardo extra point). The 9-play, 55-yard drive took just 56 seconds, slicing the Hamilton deficit to 14-7 at the intermission.

In the third quarter, Hamilton picked up right where they left off, opening the second half with a series of efficient plays. Kurzum again found Perez-Segnini, this time for a 24-yard touchdown, as Hamilton knotted the game at 14-14 with a 10-play, 69-yard drive that consumed 5:18 of clock.

Hamilton's offense kept clicking in the fourth quarter. After a strong defensive stand, the Continentals began another long, methodical drive. Once again, it was Kurzum to Perez-Segnini for another 24-yard touchdown — their third connection of the day — putting Hamilton ahead, 21-14. The 11-play, 85-yard drive was capped off with 8:55 remaining and lasted 6:18, as the Continentals slowly took control of the game.

A Velardo 30-yard field goal put the Continentals up 24-14 after Hamilton got the ball back, thanks to a Joe Cairns interception at the Bates 22-yard line. 

With 2:07 remaining in regulation, the Bobcats came charging back with a quick strike. Bosselait hit wide receiver Ryan Gleason (So.) for an 18-yard touchdown pass, trimming Hamilton's lead to just three points, 24-21. The drive took only 2:27, as Bates moved 67 yards in seven plays.

Unfortunately, time was not in the Bobcats' favor as Hamilton controlled the remaining 2:07 to secure the victory.

Kurzum finished the day hitting on 25-of-32 passing with 248 yards. Perez-Segnini, with his three TD catches, ended the day with 126 yards receiving.

For the Bobcats, Bosselait ends his senior campaign with a 129 yards passing (10-for-14) with two touchdown passes and a pair of picks. Lynksey, coming off last week's NESCAC-record 344 yards rushing vs. Bowdoin, ran for a team-best 73 yards on the day.

Linebacker Ryan Rozich (So.) topped all players with 10 solo tackles for Bates.