WILLIAMSTOWN - Best way to stop a moving train: Get out of the way.
The Williamstown football team has resembled a locomotive in its first three games after outscoring their opponents, 133-14.
Calhoun County will try to derail the Yellowjackets Friday night, which also marks homecoming in Williamstown. Last year's meeting was one to forget for the Red Devils, who lost 78-8. Both the points allowed and margin of defeat were Calhoun County school records. The outcome also marked a school record for points scored and largest margin of victory at Williamstown. Now under new management with first-year coach Michael Fitzwater, Calhoun County (1-3) is looking to change the outcome of a series dominated by the 3-0 Yellowjackets.
Running back Cory Metz figures to play an integral role in whether Calhoun County has success against a Williamstown defense which is allowing just 70 yards rushing per game. Last week in a loss against Parkersburg Catholic, Metz rushed for 73 yards on 21 carries.
Sophomore quarterback Logan Moore needs to be more accurate in the throwing department in order to keep Williamstown honest. Against the Crusaders, Moore completed just 3 of 17 attempts for 28 yards and was picked off twice.
Calhoun County also needs to keep turnovers to a minimum. Williamstown has won the turnover battle by a plus-5 margin this season.
Last week in Lost Creek, the Yellowjackets caused a pair of turnovers in the first half against South Harrison which eventually led to touchdowns.
On the first possession of the game, Zach Zide recovered a fumble at the South Harrison 27-yard line. Six plays later, Zide scored from 9 yards out to put Williamstown in front 7-0.
Midway in the second quarter, Austin Eddy intercepted his second pass of the season and returned it 18 yards to the Hawks' 43. Four plays later, Trey King ran for a 14-yard touchdown.
"That's what you always want to do is win the turnover battle," Williamstown coach Terry Smith told a newspaper after the game. "Not only did we get these turnovers, but we were able to take advantage of them by scoring on them."
King capped off his third straight 100-yard rushing performance and upped his season total to 517 yards with eight touchdowns.
"We like to run the ball and we stayed with it for most of the game," Smith continued. "I thought eventually our size and and strength up front really wore South Harrison down defensively, which allowed us to get some big runs in the second half."
Just as he did setting the pace a year ago, Williamstown linebacker Aaron Jones leads the team with 43 tackles, including two for loss and two sacks.
Williamstown, which travels for three straight road games starting next week against St. Marys, shares the No. 1 ranking in Class A with Wheeling Central (3-0).
