‘Jackets looking to get on a roll
Williamstown hosts Ravenswood eyeing second straight win
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WILLIAMSTOWN -- What's better than a football team picking up win No. 1 on a young season?
Williamstown head coach Chris Beck hopes its grabbing win No. 2 during Ravenswood's visit to town for a 7 p.m. start Friday.
"That is definitely something to build off of and get some momentum going," he said. "All you can do is take it one game at a time and those add up and you get yourself in good position for the playoffs."
Speaking of good positions, the Yellowjackets are in a prime spot for welcoming the Red Devils. Many of the mistakes plaguing them in a season-opening loss against Waterford appeared to be taken care of in the group's 34-6 win over Warren. Beck watched his group go from five turnovers against the Wildcats to just two against the Warriors. Defensive coordinator Brian Adams' unit also held their opponents to 159 yards, including just 15 yards on the ground on 22 carries.
"Defensively, we had one blown assignment," Beck said.
"We played sound and assignment football. Offensively, we controlled the line of scrimmage and we had hat on hat blocks. We rushed for 330 yards and had even ball distribution."
If that wasn't enough good news going into the Friday night matchup, the Yellowjackets haven't lost to Ravenswood since 2014. The Red Devils' 60-20 win over Williamstown that season seems to light a spark in the eyes of every Yellowjacket player when Ravenswood comes to town.
Beck doesn't exactly chalk it all up to his player's desire, but says it is a big part. "We have just been fortunate to have their number. It seems like we have been able to win the turnover battle and get a few bounces … traditionally, we play well," he said. "The kids always seem to be ready to play against those guys. In '14, they embarressed us, since that moment our guys have rallied and tried to respond in not letting that happen again."
The Ravenswood group coming in may not be showing up to the matchup in the highest of spirits. Head coach Eric Hupp's Red Devils watched a 14-9 halftime lead evaporate in the second half against Class A's defending state champion St. Marys. The Blue Devils shut out their opponents on the way to scoring 21 points and walking away with the victory.
Still, Beck isn't taking any of that for granted.
"They have some really good athletes and they play hard," he said of Ravenswood. "They've played two good teams in St. Marys and Magnolia and were competitiv in them. They are motivated and hungry to get a win. It is the old adage about them being backed into a corner."
Beck knows their talented defensive line featuring two potential all-state players in Ethan Lane and Brandon Bragg could present a lot of challenges.
"They are going to cause some damage, it is just about limiting those guys and the amount of damage," he said.
Wtown quarterback Maxwell Molessa's lived a mostly idyllic life in the pocket and the Yellowjacket runners Molessa, Rickie Allen and Trevor Oates haven't had many people able to stop them one on one. Beck knows Bragg and Lane could do just that. But he still likes where his team is.
Williamstown sure looks forward to taking the field back in front of the home crowd in a much better place than in the opener.
"It is always nice to get back home. We are anxious to get back. The last time we were home we didn't play a brand of football our fans are accustomed to. We have improved a lot since Waterford and showing that off is a strong motivator for us," Beck said.