91 wins in eight years.
That's what Williamstown High School's football program has achieved since Terry Smith became the head coach.
That's an average of more than 11 wins per season. That's remarkable considering the regular season consists of just 10 games each year.
Williamstown is a model of consistent excellence. It deserves the status of perennial power.
The amazing thing about this run is that it has lasted so long.
Nearly every school has some special group of athletes that leads it to athletic glory for four years, then graduates.
Williamstown wins every year. It contends for the state title every year.
Yes, it is one of the largest Class A high schools in the state but it's enrollment numbers are smaller than South Harrison and Richwood, who aren't exactly household names when it comes to the playoffs.
Smith has stamped his brand on Yellowjacket football. A rigorous conditioning program. Play great defense. Don't beat yourself on offense.
It's the same philosophy Parkersburg High School employed when it was the most feared Class AAA powerhouse.
Smith has put together a great staff that shares his philosophy and his passion.
He's a tireless worker that makes sure every 'i' is dotted and every 't' is crossed.
It's no surprise that Williamstown is back in the Class A semifinals and one win away from a berth in the Super Six.
Friday night's battle of unbeatens against Wahama is a classic matchup of two veteran coaching staffs who consistently put their athletes in the best position to win.
Wahama is the 23rd biggest Class A school. Yet, in his 17 years at the White Falcons helm, Ed Cromley has compiled a record of 135-58. Like Smith, he has put together a strong staff, and has instilled a work ethic that begins with the head coach and carries down to the managers.
It's a shame somebody is going to have to lose, for these are both class programs in an age where those are in short supply.
Obviously, the most watched game in the Mountain State will be the annual Backyard Brawl between West Virginia University and arch-rival Pittsburgh, which will be nationally televised.
But there is nothing as pure as high school sports, especially at the small school level, where coaches coach not for the paltry salary they are paid, but for the love of the game.
Where athletes give up the time their friends are using to play video games to build up their bodies so they can play a violent collision sport in pursuit of winning a championship only one team can win.
Where, for less than $10, fans can go watch two well-coached football teams battle one another and also take in the bands, the cheerleaders and the unique atmosphere provided by Friday night lights.
Contact Dave Poe at dpoe@newsandsentinel.com
