Big Fourth Quarter by Sussex Ices Game

After finding out on Wednesday his starting quarterback would not be available for Williamson's game against highly touted Sussex County College, head coach Dan Drake knew he had his work cut out for him.  Yet, despite the odds being against them, his Mechanics battled hard before running out of gas in the fourth quarter for a season opening 38-7 loss.

While the final score might seem lopsided, the game was anything but that.  The teams were scoreless after the first quarter and Williamson was down just 7-0 with under two minutes to play in the second before Sussex forced a three and out for Williamson deep in their own territory and then partially blocked a punt, which led to a five-yard touchdown run with just 16 seconds left to put Sussex up 14-0 at the half.

That proved to be a momentum changer, as the Skylanders came out fired up in the second and scored on their first possession. Williamson went three and out and the Skylanders drove into Williamson territory before the drive stalled and they punted to the Williamson seven-yard line.

Williamson then went on an 11 play, 93-yard drive to get right back into things.  The key play of that drive was a 43-ayrd pass from linebacker turned quarterback Tyler McLaughlin to Garrett Watkins.  The drive eventually was capped off by a one-yard touchdown run by Kaleb Glynn.  Watkins added the extra point and Williamson appeared to be back in it.  Sadly, for Mechanics fans, that was as close as they would get.

On defense, Joe Kelly and Chris Meiklejohn each led the team with nine tackles, while Kelly added a sack and two hurries.  Cole Hunter, Chris Sheffer, Kevin Mayoros and Isaiah Joubert all added six tackles, while Gabe Walsh added five tackles, a sack and a hurry.

Williamson plays their home opener next Saturday, September 23 at 12 noon against CAPP Academy.  The teams slip a pair of games last season.