Williamsburg looks to improve to 2-0 Friday at Middlesboro

Coach Jerry Herron, Jr.’s Yellow Jackets will be headed to Middlesboro Friday night after defeating Oneida, Tennessee 50-21 in the first game of the Cumberland Falls Pigskin Class at Campbell Field in Corbin.

Quarterback Sydney Bowen completed 15 of 27 passes for 338 yards and five touchdowns, while running for two more scores.

Jayden Rainwater caught seven passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns, while Shannon Martin caught five passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Yellow Jackets forced five turnovers including three fumbles and two interceptions.

“We had some big plays out of some dudes,” Herron said.

“We did some things wrong, but we got some kids that can run. We’ve got some athletes. We’ve got kids that play hard.”

Herron said it was the first time Williamsburg had been able to take the field in a game situation since last year’s playoff game at Kentucky Country Day.

Herron noted that the two scheduled scrimmages were cancelled.

The first was because of COVID–19 and the second because of lightening.

In addition, the Jackets had one day of practice in the week leading up to the game, which was forced inside after 30 minutes because of heavy rain.

“Maybe practice is overrated,” Herron said.

Herron said while Friday’s win was impressive, it is one win in a long season.

“You can’t get too excited about this,” Herron said noting that Middlesboro Coach Larry French will have his team ready to face the Jackets.

Herron said the Jackets are dedicating the win over Oneida and giving the game ball to teammate Nick Rainwater who is in Lexington receiving treatment for Leukemia.

“It is heavy on our hearts, but Nick will be back with us before you know it,” Herron said.