LEWISTON – In a word association game, there are two possible answers after learning that Bates’ opponent for its football home opener and annual Parents’ and Family Weekend is Williams.

Williams, gridiron standard-bearer of the New England Small College Athletic Conference, is 19-1 all-time against Bates. The Ephs haven’t experienced a losing season since 1985. Six of their last 19 campaigns were unbeaten. Contrast that with the Bobcats, who haven’t seen the happy side of .500 since 1981.

Ouch.

Then again, not to say that Bates has Williams’ number in this decade, but the Bobcats have enjoyed a modicum of prosperity against the Ephs in coach Mark Harriman’s 11-year tenure. Bates posted its lone victory in the series by a 10-7 margin in 2003, lost by a point in ’05 and jumped out to a 20-0 lead last season before falling 31-26.

Maybe.

“It’s unusual to play your first home game in October, so we’re fired up,” Harriman said. “They’re obviously a very good football team, but our guys are excited about the challenge.”

No question that Bates (0-2) is a decided underdog.

Williams, which welcomed six all-NESCAC performers back into the fold this season, is likely seething after its first loss of the season, 20-17 to Trinity. The Ephs opened with a 28-0 shutout of Colby.

The Bobcats have ventured into the end zone only twice this season, dropping a 17-7 verdict to Trinity and a 34-7 decision at Tufts.

“We’re very young. We’re making strides literally every day,” said Harriman. “We’ll get better as the season progresses.”

Bates has rotated three players at quarterback through the first two games: Sophomore Ryan Larsen; freshman Ryan Katon; and even junior wide receiver Tom Beaton.

Harriman has settled on Katon, who started against Tufts and has completed 17-of-37 for 122 yards in his collegiate baptism.

“We’re probably in a situation where both of them (Katon and Larsen) will continue to see time,” Harriman said. “Katon makes good decisions and has excellent footwork.”

With three-fifths of Bates’ offensive line new to the starting lineup, as well as the tight end, the Bobcats have been slow to gain momentum. The Bobcats have averaged only 2.4 yards per carry through two games. Dylan Taylor, Beaton and Greg Thornton have shared the load along with senior fullback Ryan Mullin.

Most of Bates’ experienced playmakers lurk on defense and special teams.

Four-year starter Coleman Peeke has moved to inside linebacker this season, beefing up the heart of Bates’ 4-4 resistance. Hebron Academy graduate Greg Gumbs also starts at linebacker.

Safety Bill Jennings intercepted a pass and Chris Burke blocked a punt against Tufts. Kyle McAllister logged 13 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery from his safety slot at Trinity.

McAllister, a junior, became the first Bobcat to win NESCAC defensive player of the week honors since 2005.

Tufts torched Bates for a 60-yard touchdown run and a 71-yard scoring pass last Saturday.

“We’ve played with a lot of enthusiasm,” Harriman said, “but we’ve given up too many big plays.”

Players to watch for Williams include QB Patrick Moffitt (34-for-58, 399 yards, 3 TDs), RB Brian Morrissey (195 yards, two TDs), WR Ryan Powell, LB Trevor Powers and DB Tim Batty.

Bates’ remaining home schedule features Wesleyan on Oct. 11, Colby on Oct. 25 and Hamilton on Nov. 8. Hamilton represented Bates’ lone victory in 2007. The Bobcats travel to Bowdoin on Nov. 1.