Speedy No. 1 Williamsburg blows by Central Lee

Toughest game of the year

We’re not going to see anyone like Williamsburg the rest of the way. We learned a lot tonight. Our kids have the fire and we’re not going to quit”

- Chuck Banks, Central Lee Head Coach

DONNELLSON — Central Lee wasn’t going to leave empty-handed from Friday’s football game against top-ranked Williamsburg.
So, with the clock in its final minute, the Hawks were able to get points.
Chase Johnson’s 4-yard touchdown run, and the ensuing extra point, provided the only score in the 65-7 loss.
But it was something to take away against one of the state’s premier programs.
“We knew what Williamsburg had,” Central Lee coach Chuck Banks said. “They’re class. That game could have gotten out of hand if we would have quit. But those kids don’t show any quit.”
The Hawks (1-3) were down 45-0 at halftime, plagued by turnovers and unable to stop the Raiders (4-0).
It was a hard lesson, but Banks thinks it was something that could pay off in the second half of the season.
“Trying to go into a scout team session, and try to share the speed you’re going to see in this type of game, it’s very difficult,” Banks said. “But it’s one of those things that it was good for us to see it, good for us to experience, because we have some winnable ballgames coming up.”
The first big play of the game was on the first offensive play, when Central Lee quarterback Cory Jones threw a 31-yard pass to Bo Herdrich. But three plays later, a fumbled pitch was scooped by Williamsburg’s Madox Doehrman, who returned it 50 yards for a touchdown.
The Hawks fumbled on their next possession, and Williamsburg converted that into a touchdown. Jones threw an interception on the ensuing possession, and Williamsburg’s Derek Weisskopf returned it 40 yards for a touchdown and a 22-0 lead.
“We just turned the ball over at inopportune times,” Banks said. “But that’s to be expected when you see a team as speedy and strong as Williamsburg.”
Gable Dayton’s 56-yard run on the first play of the Raiders’ next possessions extended the lead to 29-0.
Williamsburg led 45-0 at halftime, then opened the second half with an 80-yard kickoff return from Rayce Heitman for a touchdown.
The Hawks moved the ball at times. Jones threw for 77 yards. Herdrich had four receptions for 60 yards. Johnson rushed 14 times for 35 yards.
Central Lee plays at Mid-Prairie next Friday.
“We’re not going to see anyone like Williamsburg the rest of the way,” Banks said. “We learned a lot tonight. Our kids have the fire and we’re not going to quit.”