Jackets Never Quit

The high school football season came to an end for Williamsburg Friday night at Harlan. Before the season gets cold and people forget about it, I just want to say what an effort the Jackets gave in that final game against the over-confident Green Dragons.
Williamsburg never quit despite the injury to Chase Hamblin on the first play of the game. Hamblin made a leaping catch on the ball and looked like he came down on the side of his leg…suffering a break.
What a shame someone of his talent and desire to win had to sit on the sidelines in pain for the entire game. He refused to leave the field and go to better conditions in the locker room. The trainers tried keeping him warm in 20 degree weather.
The Jackets could have folded and given up, but they didn’t. Led by seniors Thomas Frazier and Aaron Root offensively, the Jackets battled. Never quit. That is a tribute to the type of players they are and being from a small school it really makes me appreciate them even more as individuals.
I questioned the decision when Jerry Herron was named head coach at Williamsburg. Now, I understand why Denny Bird has so much confidence in the young coach. First of all, he knows the game and secondly, he is more than a coach, he is a caring person. He has the school and team at heart. I can’t imagine what it would be like to come back to your alma mater and coach a sport.
I found out even more about Herron in a note from a parent this week. Back on October 23, the junior varsity and middle school had a scrimmage. Matthew Tomblinson, a freshman, an honorary member of the Yellow Jackets, got to play. What’s so special about that?
Matthew has Down’s Syndrome and has been on the sidelines in his jersey all season.
However, on this Monday afternoon in October, Matthew dressed out in full football gear and played in the game. Well sort of, according to his mother.
On the first JV touchdown of the game, the players on both teams set up a play specially designed for Matt. All the boys played as if it were the greatest play in the world. For Matthew, his mom and all the family and fans in the stand, he was in the Super Bowl.
Thanks to Herron and the two teams, it may be the greatest moment in his life.

The Redhounds moved on to the second-round of the playoffs with a 55-6 win over Garrard County. The Hounds will host Wayne County this week. Barring an upset, they will travel to Russell next week.
Unless the Cardinals have improved quite a bit, I look for an easy win over Wayne County. But, they must play much better than they did at Wayne County. The Hounds missed at least five opportunities to score. They can’t have a ton of turnovers or they will be sitting at home next week when they should be playing against Russell or Fleming County.
Coach Steve Jewell has done a good job in bringing the Redhounds along this fall. Especially after losing running back Blake Freeman. Josh Sanders has done a heck of a job while Corey Sewell has really stepped up his game.
Three youngsters have had a chance to see action in the last couple of games and have made the most of it. Ryan Fritts, Jake McPheron and Cody Duncum all carried the ball last week against Garrard County. Fritts, who had a 100 yards earlier in the season, had five carries for 48 yards while McPheron had a run of 14 yards.

The experience will help these guys, even if it is just for a play or two.

Just when you think the University of the Cumberlands is out of the playoff picture, they come right back. The Patriots were ranked in the NAIA’s top 25 when they lost to Pikeville.
But they bounced back last week to beat UVA-Wise, (40-34 in overtime) who was ranked 21st. The win has vaulted the University of the Cumberlands back in the top 25 as the Patriots are ranked 24th today. They will travel to Georgetown College Saturday to battle the league leaders. Georgetown is ranked seventh this week and an upset would likely push the Patriots back into the top 20 where they would receive a playoff bid.
The Tigers have been the team to beat in the Mid-South for years. A win in Tiger-town would be huge for the Patriots and first-year coach John Bland.
If you have been to any recent games, then you know the local kids are getting a fair shake. Stephen Cook, a Corbin graduate, is a key player on the defense. Matt Jones, a freshman from Williamsburg High School, had a big game against UVA-Wise. He had two catches for 57 yards and is on the kickoff return team.
Ronnie Bowling and Brad Lawson of Corbin are seeing action as well as Josh Frosch, a former Whitley County Colonel.
Tyler Ayers, a sophomore from Williamsburg has seen some playing time as well.
It’s great that the University of Cumberlands is looking at our high school athletes and it should give the local kids something to work toward…scholarship to a top notch institution as well as one with outstanding athletic programs in one of the country’s top NAIA conferences.