HS Football: James Monroe knocks off nemesis Williamstown 

Mavericks block a potential game winning field goal in the final seconds

Spencer - The first game of the regular season for James Monroe football was played on an unusual day, an unusual time and at an unusual location.

The day also featured an unusual outcome.

Playing perennial football power Williamstown Saturday afternoon at Roane County High School, the Mavericks knocked off the Yellowjackets in a battle that went to the final seconds.

After falling behind 25-19 midway through the fourth quarter, James Monroe rallied for a thrilling 26-25 win.

Early on, drama appeared to be out of the question when the Mavericks jumped out to a 19-0 lead.

Ryan Mann found Kadyn Hines for a 24-yard touchdown in the first period, followed by Mann's one-yard push for paydirt.

Brock Parker capped the early outburst with a 60-yard run to the end zone.

Williamstown scored on a three-yard Jackson Fulton run in the second quarter before the Yellowjackets moved within one point in the third quarter.

Jackson Kerr ripped off a 71-yard scoring jaunt just 16 seconds into the third period and added a nine-yard bust late in the quarter.

The Jackets took their only lead of the game midway through the fourth quarter on a 10-yard Breck Allen pass to Mason Kern.

James Monroe responded by marching down the field, regaining the lead on a 45-yard screen pass from Mann to Bryce Gardinier.

With just over two minutes remaining in the contest, Williamstown moved into James Monroe territory and set up for a game winning 37-yard field goal.

This day, however, the Mavericks refused to be denied.

Parker, who had battled cramps, along with several other players, broke through the line to block the kick, securing the dramatic win.

JM: 6 13 0 7 - 26

W: 0 6 12 7 - 25

First quarter

JM: Kadyn Hines 24 pass from Ryan Mann (kick no good)

Second quarter

JM: Brock Parker 60 run (Bryce Gardinier kick)

JM: Mann 1 run (kick no good)

W: Jackson Fulton 3 run (kick no good)

Third quarter

W: Jackson Kerr 71 run (pass failed)

W: Kerr 9 run (pass failed)

Fourth quarter

W: Mason Kern 10 pass from Breck Allen (Carter Hoops kick)

JM: Bryce Gardinier 45 pass from Mann (Gardinier kick)

James Monroe Stats

Rushing: Ryan Mann 20-56-1, Brock Parker 8-77-1, Ben Comer 6-39, Peyton Gardinier 2-4

Passing: Mann 11-14 -186-2TD-1

Receiving: Kadyn Hines 6-87-1, Parker 1-3, Gardinier 2-63-1, Jayden Miller 1-5, Comer 1-29