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WILLIAMSTOWN - Yellowjackets coach Terry Smith refused to say his team was flat after Friday's 44-7 win over Ritchie County.

"That would take away from their effort," Smith said of the Rebels. "Ritchie County played well, was well prepared and played hard. A couple of turnovers and it got out of their hands."

Adam Kerns' 37-yard interception return keyed a 17-point fourth quarter, allowing the sixth-ranked Class A Yellowjackets to pull away from the Rebels.

Williamstown (7-2) appeared headed to an easy win as it opened the game with consecutive sacks of Ritchie County quarterback Andy Lipscomb to push the Rebels to their own 5. Anthony Yeager blocked the Rebels punt attempt for a safety and 2-0 lead.

The Rebels (2-7) stopped Williamstown on the ensuing drive, but a roughing the kicker penalty gave the Yellowjackets new life. Williamstown made it count as Kerns threw a jump ball to wideout Lane Knost for a 17-yard touchdown.

After intercepting a Rebel pass attempt on Ritchie's next possession, it appeared the rout was on.

But the Rebels dug in their heels and held. They used a pair of big plays -a 23 yard pass from Lipscomb to Brian Tingler and a 13-yard scoring run from Mark Echard -to get on the scoreboard.

Williamstown counter punched with a 65-yard drive and a Matt Hendrickson 2-yard score to hold a 16-7 halftime lead.

"We have been playing Ritchie County for a long time and they are not afraid of us. They were ready to play," Smith said.

The Rebels offense ran hot and cold most of the night.

Ritchie hit several big plays, as Lipscomb threw for 135 yards, but the efforts were underscored by several catastrophes, including three interceptions, two punts attempts that never crossed the line of scrimmage and 11 penalties for 85 yards. Lipscomb was also sacked four times and finished with minus-43 yards rushing.

Mark Echard led the Rebels with 32 yards rushing and Richard Robertson had a game-high 64 yards receiving.

Meanwhile, the Yellowjackets scored 25 second-half points, taking advantage of two interceptions and another bad snap on a punt.