MEADOW BRIDGE, WV -- The Williamson Wolfpack traveled to Fayette County to open their season against perennial football power the Meadow Bridge Wildcats. However, the Meadow Bridge Wildcats were on the attack from the opening kickoff, when the kickoff was returned for a touchdown. So, with only 17 seconds elapsed in the game, the Wolfpack faced a deficit of six points.

On its opening possession, the Wolfpack was able to gain three first downs before having to punt. The punt attempt was fumbled and Meadow Bridge once again scored, making the score 0-12. With 1:27 left in the first quarter, the Wolfpack gave up the ball on downs and Meadow Bridge was able to score once again. With the 2 point conversion successful, Meadow Bridge went ahead 0-20.

The Wolfpack had to overcome the lopsided score as well as numerous penalties. Williamson had the ball on 4th and 1 at the 10:30 mark in the second quarter and chose to go for the first down. On a Chuckie White to Chris Hatcher pass, a gain of 14 yards gave the team the much needed first down. Another first down came at the 9:21 mark at the 34 yard line. The Wolfpack fumbled but recovered on the 29 yard line. Junior Justin Hensley was successful in catching a TD pass with 7:17 left in the half. Hatcher’s kick was good and the Wolfpack was on the scoreboard with 7 points. Meadow Bridge scored once more before the half, making the score 7-26 at intermission.

The Wolfpack opened the second half with a first down on a completed pass from White to Hatcher, with 11:15 in the third quarter. On the next pass attempt, pass interference was called on the Wildcats and the Wolfpack once again had a first down on the 35 yard line. Matt Wellman carried the ball in the next play. White then completed a pass to Justin Hensley for a 23 yard gain. Williamson was able to get the ball to the 5 yard line before turning it over on downs.

At the 8:19 mark, Meadow Bridge was poised to score again on a long run but the run was stopped by senior Jarrid McCormick. The Wildcats’ offensive stance was stopped on a 4th and 6 by senior Bobby Hurley and sophomore Nick Turner. On its next possession, White completed a 20 yard pass to Jarrid McCormick. However, a Meadow Bridge interception at the 4:40 mark stopped the Wolfpack offense from scoring.

On its possession, Tyler Bennett, the Wildcat’s junior running back, scored on a 53 yard run, making the score 7-32. Israel Varney was able to return the ensuing kickoff 40 yards, giving the Wolfpack excellent field position. After a first down with 3:39 left in the third quarter, the Pack fumbled but recovered. Once again, Meadow Bridge took over on downs. At the end of the third, the score remained 7-32.

The Wildcats scored once more with 3:30 left in the game. James Holyfield, a junior defensive tackle, was carried off the field with a leg injury. The status of his injury was unavailable at press time.

With 39 seconds left in the game, Justin Hensley once again hit pay dirt for the Wolfpack. The Hatcher kick was good. The score now stood at 14-38. The Wolfpack recovered a fumble on the kickoff and White kept the ball and gained good yardage to the 15 yard line. Two consecutive quarterback sacks ended the game.

Leading the Pack were senior Jordan Cisco in tackles, junior Chris Hatcher and sophomore Matt Wellman in yardage, and junior Justin Hensley in scoring.

“We meet a very tough team tonight and allowed them to complete the big plays. After 2 quick scores, we were unable to overcome the deficit,” said Wolfpack Coach Doug Ward. “However, we will get better, especially on special teams. Meadow Bridge is probably one of the best teams we will face this year and I saw improvement in many areas.”