Undermanned Mechanics Fall Short

Missing multiple key starters and forced to play several players out of position, the Williamson football team gave it a valiant effort, and still was within striking distance late in the game before falling short in a 17-6 road loss to the New Jersey Warriors on Saturday.

The Warriors got on the board first with just 9 seconds left in the first quarter on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Russell Derector to Hilton Aquilar to go up 7-0.  Williamson looked like they had a stop on a key third down pass, but were called for roughing the passer, giving new life to the Warriors, which they took advantage of to grab the lead.

The Warriors would extend their lead to 14-0 late in the half at the 1:46 mark on a 1-yard plunge by Derector, to go into half with what appeared to be a comfortable lead.

Williamson though, was not about to give up.  After a nice punt return by Nasir Simmons late in the quarter gave the Mechanics the ball at the Warrior 47-yard line, they went on an 8-play 47 yard drive, capped off by a 21-yard touchdown pass from Christian Cerelli to Cooper Conroy at the 3:51 mark to make it 14-6.  Conroy, a two-time All Seaboard Conference selection at cornerback, was pressed into action at wide receiver as well on the day and acquitted himself nicely, grabbing two passes for 40 yards and a touchdown.

It was then that things got a bit odd, and not in Williamson's favor.  On the ensuing Williamson kick-off, Williamson, the kicking team, was inexplicably called for holding of all things, and a personal foul penalty on the kick-off.  Those penalties, combined with the kick-off return, gave the Warriors incredibly great field position.  The Williamson defense did its job and held the Warrior offense from punching it into the end zone however, Kevin Johnson was able to nail a chip-shot 27-yard field goal with 18 seconds left in the third quarter to close out the scoring and give the Warriors the victory, 17-6.

"I'm proud of our guys," shared Williamson head coach Dan Drake.  "Saying we were undermanned might be an understatement, but our guys played their hearts out today.  They gave it all they had and I'm thankful for their effort.  We didn't win, but it was not for lack of effort and fight on their part."

Jesse Rios had a big day for the defense, with two interceptions, five tackles and one pass break-up.  Kevin Mayoros led the team in tackles with 10, while Logan Peck added eight.  Ryan Creegan had a successful return to the field after missing the past three games due to injury, as he added seven tackles.  Cole Hansell added five tackles, a sack and a hurry.  Derek Burke had six tackles, including one for loss and a hurry.

On offense, Nathan Barnshaw had two receptions for 43 yards to lead the receiving corps, while Carson Steinruck led the team in rushing with 22 yards.  Christian Cerelli throw for 120 yards and one touchdown.

Williamson returns home for Homecoming next Saturday beginning at 1:00 P.M. against Showtime Prep.