WILLIAMSTOWN -Despite its worst start under ninth-year head coach Terry Smith, Williamstown is not about to hit the panic button.
After losing to Fairfield Union last week in Lancaster, Ohio, the Yellowjackets (1-2) are under .500 for the first time since Smith took over.
"We are staying true to what we believe in, and that is working toward Friday night," Smith said. "The only answer is to work harder and get better. We can't worry about where we are record-wise."
Williamstown makes its home debut against South Harrison (2-1) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
"It doesn't feel good at all to lose two in a row," Smith said.
"We've been on the road for three weeks, plus we played our last scrimmage at Clarksburg against Liberty Harrison. Hopefully, our kids will be fired up playing at home."
Williamstown doesn't want a repeat of last week when Fairfield Union quarterback David Wolshire carried the ball 17 times for 233 yards and two touchdowns in the Falcons' 46-14 victory.
"Fairfield Union ran the triple-option real well," Smith said. "We thought they might put the ball on the ground a little bit, but they didn't.
"Our offense was OK, but we didn't do much on defense."
South Harrison may be the perfect remedy for a Williamstown outfit which surrendered 516 yards on the ground to Fairfield Union.
"I thought we could have tackled better against Fairfield Union," Smith said. "I know our guys been taught how to tackle in pee wee and junior high, but they just have to do it."
Under Smith's watch, the Yellowjackets are 7-0 against South Harrison. During that span, the Hawks have been outscored 278-49.
"Basically, we've been a little better up front on the offensive and defensive line," Smith said.
South Harrison is coming off its second straight win against a winless opponent after defeating Tygarts Valley 47-18 last Friday. In that game, Austin Glaspell rushed for 267 yards and four touchdowns, while Ben Aylestock added 111 yards on the ground.
"South Harrison runs out of the double-wing - the reason it is unique is because you can't simulate it in practice," Smith said.
Sophomore Dakota Watson continues to lead all Williamtown ballcarriers with 229 yards rushing, while Trace Hart is second on the team with 173 yards. Watson, Hart and David Hastings have each scored two touchdowns on the ground, but Hastings has the edge in terms of scoring with an one touchdown reception to his credit.
In the passing department, Williamstown quarterback Jake Tracewell has completed a touch more than 50 percent (27-of-52) of his attempts for 293 yards and three touchdowns. Beau Wasmer leads the Yellowjackets with seven receptions for 85 yards.
