Defense Comes up Huge in Homecoming Win

On a day when weather conditions were horrible throughout the game, the Williamson defense made life miserable for the New Jersey Warriors, as they were able to keep the visitors from scoring, and managed to score points themselves in a 13-2 Homecoming triumph.

Field position was a big part of things in the game today, as neither team could do much offensively. In fact, both defenses not only kept their teams in the game, in Williamson's case, its defense proved to be its best offense when, after a scoreless first quarter, defensive end Joe Kelly forced a fumble and linebacker Chris Sheffer scooped it up and took it 21 yards for a score to give Williamson a 6-0 lead at the 11:20 mark.  The extra point attempt was no good.  That would be the only scoring of the half.

The defenses came up huge again for both teams in the third quarter, as both teams stopped the other on key drives.  Twice Williamson's defense stopped first and goal situations to keep the Warriors off the board.

It was the New Jersey Warrior defense that then got them on the board at the 14:43 mark of the fourth quarter, as they pressured Williamson quarterback Tanner Underwood into an intentional grounding call in the Williamson end zone for a safety, to make the score 6-2 with plenty of time left.

As mentioned, field position played a key role throughout the game.  Williamson's defense forced a three and out for the Warriors deep in their territory.  Upon attempting a punt, the snap was bobbled a bit, forcing the Warriors punter to have to try to run for the first down.  While he got close, he was still two yards short, giving Williamson the ball at the Warrior 36-yard line.  Two plays later quarterback Tanner Underwood found Kaleb Glynn open in the Warrior secondary, and he took it the rest of the way for a 33-yard touchdown to put Williamson up 13-2.  The Warriors would threaten two more times, but Williamson's defense was more than up to the task each time. 

While Williamson's defense was huge as a unit, no one stood out more than two-time Seaboard Conference Defensive MVP Joe Kelly.  All he did was have 14 tackles, including four for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble (that resulted in a touchdown) and two hurries.  Dominic Gallo had his second straight outstanding game, as he chipped in with seven tackles.  Chris Sheffer had six tackles, several of which could probably be felt in the next country, as well as the fumble recovery for a touchdown.  Cole Hunter had six tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and a hurry.  Kelly Battis added an interception.

Offensively, Williamson was able to do just enough to win.  Nazaire Miller had 83 yards rushing on 22 carries, while Tanner Underwood rushed for 54 yards on nine carries. Garrett Watkins had three receptions to lead the receiving side of things. 

Williamson moves to 3-2 and next takes on Show Time Prep at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 21.