They’re Back!!!

How do you replace 13 seniors? You don’t according to Williamsburg football coach Jim Black. “We’re just looking for people to fill the spots right now. You don’t replace guys quickly as the caliber of players as we lost,” Black said. “You don’t replace kids that have started for three years in six weeks, you just don’t do that. It’s almost impossible to do.”
“Everything is wide open,” said Black. “There is competition for every position, so the best ones will play on Friday nights.”
“We’re looking for kids that will go out and compete,” said Black, who has compiled a 27-17 record in four years at WHS.
Even with the loss of several key players, Black feels the cupboard isn’t empty at Williamsburg. He was left with some talented undreclassmen that he hopes to see step up in 2005. “There were some sophomores and juniors playing well at the end of last season and we have a few more kids out,” said Black. “That really helped and gave us a good basis to start off with.”
“We only have three seniors but all three are going to play some and two of the have started on the offensive line for two years,” said Black. That really helps out. The incoming are accomplished football players. We had a good group of sophomores as well and the two groups will really help us build for this season.”
The three seniors, Andrew Middleton, John Massey and Richie Moses will be depended on for their leadership but junior Chase Hamblin, Thomas Frazier and Tommy Helbig will be the players to watch out of the backfield. Hamblin and Frazier were often in the end zone last season when Williamsburg rolled past its first 12 opponents.
However, Black says will be not be as easy this time. “We have a lot of work to do,” he said. “We’re improving every day, we just have to improve more.”
Black says Lynn Camp and Somerset are the two top teams. “Lynn Camp by far is probably the number one team with everybody they have returning. They have a great group of kids and they have been working hard. They will be very tough for anybody to compete with.”
“Somerset has a lot back this year and they will be very athletic,” added Black. “The rest of us I consider to be even. On a given Friday night, I think we can beat each other. We will all have to play well against Lynn Camp and Somerset.”
Both of those games will be on the road for the Yellow Jackets. Williamsburg will open the season August 26 when they travel across the Kentucky line to play the Blue Devils of Jellico. They will return home September 2 to host McCreary Central in the annual Alumni Bowl Game.