Saturday was certainly a day to celebrate for the Bates football team, which defeated Bowdoin 24-17 to earn the Bobcats their fourth straight CBB series title.

But it did not come easy.

“We came into this game knowing there would be some ups and downs,” said senior captain Frank Williams of Brookline, Mass. “You know that always happens with a rivalry game.”

The victory puts this year’s seniors in a class of their own: They’re the first to defeat both Bowdoin and Colby in each of their four years.

After the win, the seniors praised first-year quarterback Brendan Costa of Westport, Mass., who ran for 171 yards and a touchdown, while fellow first-year Jaason Lopez of Marblehead, Mass., added 79 rushing yards and a score.

“They were like, ‘Thank you, thank you,’ Costa said. “I was like, ‘Guys, no. You guys helped me get to where I am today.’ They were unbelievable; they all had great games.”

The CBB trophy remains in Lewiston thanks to young and old alike.

“This is its home,” said Jack Maritz ’18 of St. Louis, Mo. “We’re going to keep it here for years to come.”