[Football] Mechanics Bounce Back with a Win

Down several key starters, with several others banged up, all while facing a staunch challenge from opponent CAPP Academy, they needed a boost to get back on the winning track.  Their defense did just that for them as they forced four turnovers, had five, gave up just seven first downs while allowing just one third down conversion and held the Crusaders to just 191 yards on the way to a 20-6 win.

Williamson was able to get on the board first as they took advantage of a Crusader turnover and went 37 yards in five plays, capped off by a touchdown pass of six yards by Anthony Ellis (SR/Aston, PA) to Patrick Bond (SR/Havertown, PA) at the 5:52 mark of the first quarter.  The extra point was no good.

That was all the scoring either side would muster in the first half, as they traded turnovers twice in the  second quarter, none of which led to points for either team. 

Williamson increased their lead to 13-0 on a nifty pass from Anthony Ellis to John Mercanti (SR/Drexel Hill, PA) for 35-yards at the 9:54 mark of the third quarter.  Garrett Watkins (FR/Mechanicsville, MD) added the extra point.

Williamson's defense continued to apply non-stop pressure, so when Ellis threw his third touchdown pass of the game, this time on a 17-yard strike to Garrett Watkins, with 3:21 left, it looked like the game was all but over.  The Crusaders though thought otherwise, as they sent 68 yards in three plays, the last being a 51-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Albanese to Sean Simmons to pull to within 20-6.  Though they would get the ball back, Williamson's defense shut them right down to end the game. 

A host of Williamson defenders stood out on the day.  Chris Meiklejohn (FR/Marple Newtown, PA) and Cole Hunter (FR/Cinnaminson, NJ) intercepted passes, while Brandon Jessup (JR/Wilmington, DE) and James Openshaw (SR/Broomall, PA) recovered fumbles.  Joe Kelly (FR/Newtown Square, PA) added two more sacks to boost his team leading total to seven, while Openshaw, Hunter and Jordan Griffin (JR/Germantown, PA) each added one apiece.  In addition to the interception, Hunter had seven tackles, including one for loss, and a hurry.  Kam'Ron Patterson (FR/Philadelphia, PA) had five tackles, including three for loss, and two pass break-ups.  Kelly had six tackles, three for loss, and a hurry, to go with the two sacks.  Isaiah Bolden (FR/New Castle, DE) had a monster game with six tackles, a forced fumble and a hurry.

Getting his first start at quarterback this year, Ellis threw for 113 yards and the three touchdowns.  Watkins led the way with five receptions.

Williamson next hosts the New Jersey Warriors for Homecoming in a 1:00 P.M. Homecoming start.  The game is a rematch that Williamson won on September 11 by a score of 35-26 in Holmdel, New Jersey