Severe Weather Conditions Force Opening Football Game to Be Halted

A severe lightning storm that forced over a two-hour stoppage in play in Williamson's season opening road game against the New Jersey Warriors, ultimately led to the game being stopped for good with 5:02 left in the first quarter.  After waiting over two hours with the severe lightening warning for the area extending for another thirty minutes and then calling to come back an hour later, game officials and the host team's medical staff made the decision to half the game.

"While we are saddened by our guys not being able to complete the contest, the value of the lives on the field is far greater than the game itself," shared Williamson's director of athletics Dale Plummer.

"We were able to monitor the storm and the entire two hours the teams were waiting inside and there were lightning strikes within a mile of the field happening non-stop.  It showed no signs of letting up for a while and then the weather map showed the lightening re-appearing an hour after the game could have potentially been re-started. 

"While we are all disappointed, the safety of our players should always come first."

Williamson's defense started the game strong, as they held the Warriors to a three and out.  The Williamson offense drove right down the field and scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak by freshman quarterback Tanner Underwood.  Garrett Watkins added the extra point to put Williamson up 7-0.

The Warriors then mounted a drive of their own, aided in part by a personal foul penalty against Williamson, to score a touchdown of their own.  They then opted to go for two points and got it, to go up 8-7 with 5:02 left.  The teams were then immediately forced to leave the field.

The due to the game not making it out of the first quarter, goes as a no-contest.  The two team will meet again on October 14 at Williamson.

The Mechanics travel back to New Jersey next week to take on NJCAA power Sussex County College in a 3:00 P.M. kick-off.