JACKETS FALL TO HAZARD

Williamsburg’s season came to a close Friday night after a 28-0 loss to Hazard in round three of the state championship playoffs, but the Yellow Jackets certainly accomplished a lot in 2011.  They earned a 9-4 record, won a district title, and made it all the way to the regional championship game.

 “This is one of the greatest things that I have ever been a part of,” said senior Jason Sisk.  “I am proud to share this moment with my teammates and coaches.  I could never want anything more.”
“I don’t want this to end,” added fellow senior Coty Croley.
             The Jackets put up a good fight, but it just wasn’t enough to stop the Bulldogs (10-2) from advancing to the semi-finals of the state tournament.
Williamsburg looked to draw first blood when star wide receiver Skyler Griffith went up to snag a pass thrown by quarterback Dalton Sizemore, but the ball was intercepted in the end zone by a Hazard defender.  Hazard would cash in on that play with a 30-yard touchdown run by senior Zack Blanton.  Eric Mason’s PAT was good, making the score 7-0 with 6:37 left in the opening quarter.
The Bulldog defense forced a turnover on the next Williamsburg possession, and three plays later quarterback Evan Whitaker connected with senior receiver B.J. Combs, who took it 43 yards for another score at the 1:59 mark.  Another successful PAT by Mason made it 14-0 in favor of Hazard.
The Jackets were looking to score early in the second quarter after driving all the way down to the Hazard 3-yard line, but were unable to get the ball into the end zone.
With 2:43 on the clock, Whitaker hooked up with wide receiver Jordan Olinger for an 85 yard touchdown reception.  Another Mason PAT made it 21-0.
Whitaker and Olinger connected again for a 5 yard touchdown reception with only :03 left before intermission.  Mason’s PAT was once again successful, leaving the score at 28-0 to end the half.
The second half was a defensive stalemate, with neither team allowing a score.  Williamsburg was able to drive to inside the Hazard 10-yard line at one point in the third quarter, and found themselves knocking on the door again in the fourth, but both drives ended with turnovers on downs.
“We moved the ball well on them all night,” said coach Jerry Herron in his postgame interview.  “We just couldn’t finish.  We had our chances.”
“They (Hazard) play at a level of speed on every down that we’re not used to playing at.  We haven’t gotten to that point in our program where we are able to play at that level on every play, but we know what we have to do now to get to that point.”
“This is a family,” Herron added.  “We’re all hurting, we’re all sad, but this team has the potential to come back and challenge for a state championship.  That is our ultimate goal.”
Senior Toby Nguyen echoed his coach’s sentiments when he was asked to speak about the team’s progression since week one.  He said, “At first we were really inexperienced, but now we are much stronger, and we are a family.”
“We’ve been through everything together,” Devan Robinson said after being asked about his relationship with the coaching staff.  “They mean the world to me, and I would do anything for them.”
Before wrapping up his interview, coach Herron thanked his players and his staff for all the work they have done this season.  “I have a great group of kids here, and a great coaching staff.  They are always willing to sacrifice and put in the time necessary to get the job done.  I am thankful for that.”
 
 
Hazard 28, Williamsburg 0
 
First Quarter
H – Zack Blanton 30 run (Eric Mason kick)
H – BJ Combs 3 43 pass from Evan Whitaker (Mason kick)
 
Second Quarter
H – Jordan Olinger 85 pass from Whitaker (Mason kick)
H – Olinger 5 pass from Whitaker (Mason kick)