Saturday was a record-setting game for the football team as Tufts defeated Williams 17-7, ending a 21-year winless drought against the Ephs. During the game, senior receiver David Halas caught his sixth touchdown of the season, tying with Mike Gorham (A '73) and senior teammate Stephen Black, who had six last season, for the program's single-season record.
"We haven't played very well against Williams after the first quarter in the past, so it was good that we were able to keeping it rolling in the second half and get coach [Bill] Samko his first win versus Williams," Halas said.
Halas' record-tying reception resulted from junior defensive lineman Ian Ritter's fumble recovery early in the third quarter. Ritter returned the fumble for 30 yards and could have scored a highlight touchdown if it weren't for an unfortunate tumble on the 6-yard line.
"I noticed that they were running [the] option away from me," Ritter said. "I saw the quarterback getting ready to pitch the ball, and it just landed right in my hands. I tried to run as fast as I could because I thought I saw someone behind me, but I just ran too fast for myself and I ended up tripping. I really wanted to score that touchdown, but I knew that as long as the offense scored, we would be all right."
"I know [Ritter] is going to get a lot of [heat] for tripping, but he gave us great field position and an amazing opportunity to win the game," Halas added. "He shouldn't feel bad; he gave a tremendous effort in helping us to win."
On the very next play, junior quarterback Anthony Fucillo hit Halas in the back of the end zone for the game winning score, as the Jumbos took the lead 10-7.
"It's cool that Halas was able to tie the single season touchdown reception record off of my recovery," Ritter said.
"It was a good play call and well executed," Halas said. "The corner was playing up on me, Fucillo and I made eye contact, and he was able to get the ball over my back shoulder where the corner wouldn't be able to get to it. It was great communication."
Halas' sixth receiving touchdown also added to his growing record of 14 career receiving touchdowns, breaking the previous record of 12 shared by Jon Troy (LA '00) and Rich Giacchett (A '70).
"Team success is the No. 1 issue," said Halas, who has tallied 248 yards receiving on 20 catches this season. "It surpasses anything that I can do as an individual. Beating Williams for the first time is something that we can all enjoy. It was a good win for the team and it puts us right back on track."
Halas and the rest of the Jumbos look to keep the ball rolling as they travel to Pratt Field on Saturday to take on a strong Amherst team, currently sitting in second place in the conference at 4-1.
