Another week, another heartbreaking finish for Bates football.

The Bobcats drove inside the Williams 30-yard line in the final minute Saturday, but the Ephs’ second sack of the day turned it over on downs and sealed a 16-14 NESCAC victory in Williamstown, Mass.

Williams (2-1) defeated Bates (0-3) for the first time since 2010.

Defense showed the way for the Ephs, who also forced two fumbles and held the Bobcats to 2-for-15 passing efficiency for 66 yards.

Frank Williams’ 2-yard touchdown run with 8:01 remaining brought Bates within two points and fueled the comeback hopes.

Patrick Dugan rushed for 74 yards to lead Bates. Williams added 10 carries for 54 yards and Ivan Reese 14 for 53, including a score.

Brandon Williams also intercepted Williams quarterback Austin Lommen twice. Lommen had the final word, however, completing 31 of 47 for 309 yards and a TD.

Connor Harris put Williams on the board with a 2-yard run, capping an 8-play, 75-yard drive in the first quarter. The Ephs bobbled the snap on Bobby Webster’s extra-point try, though, keeping the lead at 6-0.

Bates marched 67 yards in 10 plays to grab the lead on a 1-yard run by Reese and Grant DeWald’s PAT at the 9:35 mark of the second quarter.

Williams regained the lead for keeps with a two-minute drill just before the half. Lommen located Darrias Sime for a 3-yard score with 26 seconds left. Webster’s kick made it 13-7 at the break.

Webster split the uprights from 31 yards to make it a two-possession game in the first minutes of the fourth quarter.

Mark Riley had both Bates receptions. Mark Upton and Trevor Lyons each forced a fumble to boost the defense.

Lommen used all his weapons. Sime caught a game-high nine passes. Mark Pomella grabbed eight for a team-leading 86.

Bates lost to Tufts a week ago after fumbling away a potential go-ahead touchdown at the goal line. 

The Bobcats have lost three in succession after concluding the 2014 season with a three-game winning streak.

koakes@sunjournal.com