Late Bates Touchdown Sinks Football in CBB Opener

11/7/2026 | Football | Box Score

LEWISTON, Maine – The Bowdoin College football team saw a fourth-quarter lead slip away in the final minutes as Bates College rallied for a 10-7 victory in a rainy CBB rivalry contest at Garcelon Field on Saturday afternoon.

The Polar Bears fall to 0-8 on the season, while Bates improves to 1-7. Bowdoin held a 7-3 lead for much of the afternoon behind another strong defensive performance, but the Bobcats scored the winning touchdown with just 1:07 remaining in regulation to escape with the victory.

Game Highlights

• The teams battled through a scoreless opening quarter, with Bowdoin’s defense setting the tone early. Ferris Collins intercepted a Bates pass on the Bobcats’ second possession, while the Polar Bears recorded several tackles for loss to keep the hosts off the scoreboard.
• Bates broke through midway through the second quarter, putting together a 15-play, 63-yard drive that consumed nearly 10 minutes and ended with a 29-yard field goal by Marcos Ruiz for a 3-0 lead.
• Bowdoin responded immediately with its best offensive possession of the afternoon, marching 75 yards in just three plays and 56 seconds. Soren Hummel connected with Ty Connolly on a 38-yard touchdown pass, and Caden Perry added the extra point to give the Polar Bears a 7-3 advantage with 5:07 remaining before halftime.
• Neither team scored in the third quarter as Bowdoin’s defense continued to frustrate the Bobcats. The Polar Bears maintained their four-point lead deep into the fourth quarter, with Steven Vargo intercepting a Bates pass with five minutes remaining to end a Bobcat possession.
• After forcing a Bowdoin punt, Bates took possession at midfield with 2:37 remaining and marched 50 yards in six plays. Jack Gilmore connected with Jeff Vidou on a 17-yard touchdown pass with 1:07 left to give the Bobcats a 10-7 lead.
• Bowdoin had one final opportunity and moved the ball to near midfield in the closing seconds. Facing fourth down, Soren Hummel scrambled toward the first-down marker and appeared to reach the line to gain, but was spotted just short by the officials. The turnover on downs with 19 seconds remaining clinched the victory for the Bobcats.

By The Numbers

• Angus Leary recorded three sacks on the afternoon, giving him 8.5 for the season and 23 for his career, tying the Bowdoin school record held by Kevin Saxton ’99. Leary also finished with four tackles for loss, totaling 23 yards lost.
• Bowdoin’s defense recorded four sacks and two interceptions on the afternoon. Charlie Saurack and Owen Kaseta combined for the other sack.
• Brody Aeschliman led the Polar Bears with 13 tackles, including nine solo stops, while Saurack finished with 10 tackles and Zach Taylor added nine.
• Hummel completed 10 of 24 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown without an interception. Connolly led the receiving corps with three catches for 55 yards and a score, while Conrad Babka caught four passes for 45 yards.
• Caden Perry averaged 42.0 yards on 10 punts, including a 68-yard effort and three punts of at least 50 yards.
• Bates finished with 287 yards of total offense compared to 159 for Bowdoin, holding a 37:35-22:25 advantage in time of possession. The Bobcats rushed for 147 yards but were limited to 140 yards through the air.

Up Next

Bowdoin will close out its 2026 season next Saturday, November 14, when the Polar Bears host Colby College in the annual CBB rivalry game at Whittier Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.