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Haynes, Williamstown retire losing streak, defeat Ravenswood, 52-14

Williamstown quarterback Carter Haynes runs away from Ravenswood’s Evan Dunlap (1) during the Yellowjackets’ 52-14 homecoming victory versus the Red Devils on Friday night. Photo by Michael Uhl.

WILLIAMSTOWN — Carter Haynes was tired of hearing about Williamstown’s losing streak.

The junior quarterback made sure the Yellowjackets didn’t extend the skid to four games by passing for 88 yards and two touchdowns, as well as rushing for another 86 yards and one touchdown in a convincing 52-14 homecoming victory over Ravenswood in a Little Kanawha Conference matchup Friday night.

“We were pretty pumped up to play this game,” Haynes said. “The coaches did a great job of getting us ready for this game, and we thought we could get a win like this.”

Williamstown, which hadn’t lost four games in a row since the 1998 season, played a dominant first half. After taking a 10-0 lead in the first quarter on a 26-yard field goal from Boston Caruthers and a 2-yard touchdown run by Donathan Taylor, the Yellowjackets (2-3, 1-0) put the game out of reach in the second quarter.

The Yellowjackets ran just 11 offensive plays but racked up 169 yards and four offensive touchdowns.

Ravenswood (2-2, 0-1) didn’t do much to help its cause as senior quarterback Stephen Dawson threw two interceptions in the quarter, including a 33-yard pick-6 by Bradan Mullenix. That came just 29 seconds after Eric Brown hauled in a 32-yard touchdown pass from Haynes.

“Carter is a good player, and I can’t wait to see what he does moving forward,” said Williamstown coach Terry Smith. “But you really have to give the guys up front on the offensive line a lot of credit. Our guys just came out to play, and the offensive line really moved their guys up front.”

Taylor had a strong night as well. He rushed for 61 yards on four carries and added a 7-yard touchdown reception with 5:48 to play in the second quarter.

“We were able to open up holes and run the ball, which is what we thought we could do,” Smith said. “The older I get, all I really care about now is the defense. But the way our offense played tonight really made it tough on Ravenswood.”

Down 38-7, the Red Devils were hoping to mount a comeback with a precision passing game. Unfortunately, Dawson was hurt two plays after Taylor’s touchdown when he was dragged down from behind. He was carted off the field with what appeared to be a left knee injury.

Ravenswood scored in the third quarter on a 32-yard scoring strike from backup quarterback Max Hilton to Sam Sturm. Sturm also hauled in a 36-yard touchdown pass from Dawson in the second quarter.

Due to the lopsided score, Williamstown was able to sit most of its starters from about mid-way through the third quarter. This enabled Smith to clear his bench, and 10 different Yellowjackets ran the ball.

The game’s final touchdown was scored by Williamstown freshman Caleb Stansberry on a 1-yard run with 3:08 to play.

Now the Yellowjackets are looking forward to playing rival St. Marys, the defending Class A state champion, on the road this coming Friday.

“They are really, really, really good,” Smith said. “I’m not sure I said enough reallys. But in the end, the contracts are signed, and we’re going to play the game. What I like about playing St. Marys is that we always seem to have a great week of practice leading up to the game and I expect the same this week.”

Ravenswood was led in rushing by senior Jayden Rhodes, who finished with 49 yards on 18 carries. Before exiting the game, Dawson completed 5 of 9 passes for 65 yards and a score, but he had two interceptions.

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