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‘Job not done’: Williamstown boys top Buffalo for LKC title

By Jordan Holland 3 min read

WILLIAMSTOWN -- It's mission accomplished for the Williamstown boys soccer team, but not quite a job well done just yet.

Xavier Graeber's goal off an assist from Davis Harbour with 46 seconds left in the first half gave the Yellowjackets a 1-0 win over Buffalo in the Little Kanawha Conference championship match on Saturday.

It's one of the first goals on Williamstown's checklist this season.

"I’ve never actually been on a championship team, so this is everything to me," said Tripp Williams, Williamstown's lone senior. "I’ve worked all year. I’ve been doing everything I can, and it paid off. I’m honestly trying not to cry at the moment."

However, the prominent message from the 'Jackets' postgame huddle was clear -- job's not done.

"We haven’t been to state in a while, and that’s one of the things this group talked about," said Williamstown head coach Chris Harbour. "We actually talked before the game -- winning LKC’s a step in the right direction, but their motto, as we just clapped it up, is 'job not done.' Even with the LKC title, job’s not done. We’ve got two regular season games, but then postseason starts, and getting to state and making a run at state is what we want to do."

Williamstown dropped its season opener 1-0 to Wheeling Central back on Aug. 22. Since then, the Yellowjackets have reeled off 15 straight wins.

"What's next for us? Go all the way," Williams said. I want to go all the way and win every competition from here on out."

Williamstown had previously defeated Buffalo 1-0 on Sept. 15, and Saturday's rematch played out in a similar fashion. The 'Jackets controlled possession throughout the first half, registering four shots on goal in the first 20 minutes while surrendering none. Finally, Landon Ridenhour worked the ball to Harbour, who relayed it to Graeber for his team-leading 40th goal of the season.

"He switched to his punting foot and he just drilled it in," Williams said. "That's what he does. I have so much admiration for that guy."

The Bison (11-5) had their best scoring opportunity 10 minutes into the second half. Trent Pickens' free kick attempt was on the money, but WHS keeper Skarin Welsh went up to make an acrobatic save, preserving Williamstown's lead. Welsh saved both of Buffalo's only two shots on frame. The Yellowjackets have allowed just nine goals all season.

"That’s been our strongest suit all year," Coach Harbour said. "Our defense is really the backbone of our team. We passed the ball. I think we had possession most of the game, probably 75% of the game, and that’s what we’re all about -- playing under control, keeping possession, wearing the team out. I think it showed at the end of the game where we were kind of still going forward and still able to move the ball, and they were chasing. That’s what we want to do."

On the other end, Williamstown put 13 shots on target with Buffalo goalie Elias Criner tallying 12 saves.

"They’re a fantastic opponent," Coach Harbour said. "They’ve played us hard every single game, but happy to come out how we did. Really great turnout from the stands, from the folks in the area, and the boys played hard. They’re a fantastic group of kids."

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