“Jackets get a rematch with Frankfurt in the semifinals |” News, Sports, Jobs

Williamstown’s Lynken Joy (2) carries the ball during a 29-21 win over Wheeling Central last week in the W.Va. Class AA quarterfinals. (Photo by Nikki Allen)

WILLIAMSTOWN – The Law of Physicality. Was there. Did that.

When top-ranked Frankfort (12-0) and No. 4 Williamstown (10-2) meet for the second time this season, the game will most likely be won in the trenches.

The Yellowjackets got up close and personal with the Falcons in the second half of the regular season, losing 27-7 at home.

There’s a lot more at stake on Friday as the two schools meet in the semifinals of the Class AA state football playoffs in Frankfort.

“Frankfort might be more run-heavy — we’re two very similar teams, but they’re probably 30 to 40 pounds heavier than us across the board.” said Williamstown coach Chris Beck. “They start nine seniors on offense and eight seniors on defense. They are senior-oriented. They are a big and physical football team.”

Williamstown, seeking its third state title in as many years, advanced with wins over Moorefield (47-21) and Wheeling Central (29-21). Against Wheeling Central last Friday on their home field, the Yellowjackets suffered two second-half turnovers that led to two Maroon Knight touchdowns.

Trailing 21-14 early in the fourth quarter, Williamstown stuck to its ground attack and completed the comeback behind quarterback Lynken Joy, who finished the game with 233 yards on 41 carries and four touchdowns.

“Coaches told us when we have adversity, we have to stay in it.” Joy said. “That helped us in the end.

“Central is always a good win for us and the fact that we made it to the semifinals is a good feeling.”

Backfield mate Cooper Billingsley added another 107 yards on 14 carries.

“I’m proud of our boys – they showed great resilience against a good football team.” Beck said. “It is a series with a lot of history where both teams are very familiar with each other and have played many meaningful games against each other.

“There was a lot of extra passion and the boys responded.”

Frankfort’s postseason path includes wins over Westside (45-0) and Bluefield (27-6). Since defeating two Maryland teams in the first five weeks of play, the Falcons have outscored their seven opponents 296-26.

Joy had success with the ball against Frankfort, finishing with 144 yards on 23 carries. His 2-yard TD run tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter.

Otherwise, Frankfort’s defense stifled Williamstown – keeping Joy’s passing numbers under control (6 of 17, 112 yards with an interception) and limiting the rest of the Yellowjacket ball carriers to just 36 yards on 17 carries.

If Williamstown finds a way to free Billingsley, Joy will become an even greater threat.

“The game against Wheeling Central, Cooper had games like that all year – he got more comfortable running the ball every week.” Beck said. “He has 997 yards rushing and somehow goes unnoticed for someone who is about to cross the 1,000-yard plateau.”

Billingsley did his part to get into the starting lineup as a first-year senior. He didn’t play football until his freshman year of high school.

“Cooper was good friends with a kid who lived on my street – I knew he won the 100 in middle school and I talked him into joining the soccer team.” Beck said. “His older brother played for us and he enjoyed it, so I think Cooper wanted to spend time with him.”

To advance to the state championship game for the fourth straight year, Williamstown will need to build on last week’s offensive success, which resulted in 345 yards rushing. Of the 61 plays from scrimmage, all but three were designed for the run.

“Williamstown is a very good football team” That’s what Frankfurt coach Frank Whiteman said after the regular season meeting on a Saturday afternoon in mid-October. “They play very physical and I love a team like that.”

Contact Kerry Patrick at [email protected]