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St. Marys’ Kent, Williamstown’s Joy ready to lead

St. Marys quarterback Ryan Kent scans the field in a 7-on-7 against Williamstown at Parkersburg High School. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)

PARKERSBURG – Things will be a little different this gridiron season for both two-time defending Class A state champion Williamstown and fellow Little Kanawha Conference member St. Marys.

The biggest change is the fact both programs now will be competing in double-A after the Mountain State expanded to four classes.

“I mean it might be a little different, but it doesn’t change the goal,” admitted Williamstown senior and expected starting signal-caller Lynken Joy, who takes over for 2023 House Award winner Maxwell Molessa.

“We still want to get to the state championship. A lot of people stepping up and we’re looking good. Exciting.”

Joy had a dominating season as a junior at tailback and linebacker. He was named Class A all-state first team at linebacker.

Williamstown quarterback Lynken Joy rolls out to his left in a 7-on-7 against St. Marys at Parkersburg High School. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)

On Friday, the Yellowjackets and Blue Devils had a 7-on-7 against Parkersburg High at Stadium Field.

“It’s been good. We’ve been getting that work in. Looking good so far. This was our second one,” admitted Joy. “Not much experience until this year, so these 7-on-7s are helping a lot. We just come into these and try to be competitive, work hard and get better.

“Still trying to work on the run game and just get better at the pass, too. That’s about it. I’m just trying to get used to the closer look and everything. It’s a little bit different, but it’s alright. It’s going good. I’m still learning as we go.”

WHS head coach Chris Beck understands there’s work to be done, but he likes the way things are looking this summer.

“He’s throwing the ball really well,” Beck said of his quarterback. “He’s improved. He did play quarterback clear until high school and then he got behind Max, and with an athlete like that, Lynk, you just got to find a spot for him so tailback was it. It’s not like he’s completely out of position there. He’s progressing really well. He’s a great player. The thing I’m most pleased with, I think though, I know physically what Lynk is going to do. He’s going to put up a bunch of numbers as long as he stays healthy. What we really need him to do, and he has, is step up leadership-wise.

“There is a kind of a leadership void when the seniors leave, especially a group like last year, so you need these seniors to step up, and Lynk and some of these other ones have really done a great job. Lynk was a Howley Award finalist last year, 1,400, 1,500 yards, beat these guys (St. Marys) last year (when Molessa was injured) and was like 8 for 12 or something. He can do it all on the field. It’s just about him stepping up that leadership role and he’s done that. He’s really grasping the offense well. He already had a pretty good understanding being the backup quarterback last year, but he’s really doing a good job this summer.”

Although St. Marys also suffered some heavy graduation losses, the Blue Devils of head coach Jodi Mote do return senior signal-caller Ryan Kent.

“He’s just a very hard worker, whatever sport it is,” said coach Mote. “This is obviously his senior year and I feel like he has leadership abilities by what he has done so far with his work ethic. We just get that translated to being that vocal leader and he’s going to be one of 30 guys that’s going to have to lead your team.”

Kent was quick to point out “we got a lot of young guys, but a lot of good talent. It definitely sucked losing all those seniors last year with all the positions we lost, but we got some good talent and I’m looking forward to this year.

“It gives me a lot of confidence having a full year under my belt, but I’m really looking forward to, I guess, my final year of high school football.”

As far as moving from single-A to Class AA?

“Whatever team is on the field, just play them as tough as we can,” added the Blue Devil. “Obviously, we are looking to get the win every week. It doesn’t change much. It is what it is. We got a solid, I’d say 20 or so guys and then of course other people have to work and stuff, but a solid 20 guys in the weight room pretty much every day so we are getting in a lot of work and conditioning to get ready for the season.

“I think I’ve focused a lot more on reading the defenses better and I’m seeing the field a little bit better. It really does slow down after you get a couple games in, you’re like, ‘this is not that bad’ and I love it. The purple and yellow, they are all about St. Marys football. It’s fun to be a part of that community and how many people come out and support us. It’s really awesome.”

Coach Mote is hoping to make another postseason run and he knows Kent will be key in helping the Pleasants County program reach their goals.

“I’m just excited for him and the guys because this is their opportunity as seniors to see what they can do,” said the coach.

“He’s a great young man and a great student in the classroom. We’re excited for his senior season as well as everybody.”

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