Two old rivals will face-off against each other when Williamsburg hosts Hazard Friday during second round action of the Class A playoffs.
The 16th meeting between the two teams looks to be promising once again.
The Bulldogs (7-4) have struggled recently, going 2-3 during their last five contests. They lost to Breathitt County (29-27), Bardstown (27-0), Pikeville (52-7), and Shelby Valley (28-27) this season.
Hazard does have wins over 13th Region teams such as Middlesboro (42-24), Harlan County (40-20), and Pineville (34-6).
“Hazard is a well-coached football team,” Williamsburg coach Jerry Herron said. “They have a lot of experienced players, and a ton of team speed. We have to keep our shoulders square and play in space. Offensively, we have to take advantage of what they give us.”
The Bulldogs have a dangerous passing and rushing attack on offense.
Quarterback Max Pelphrey has completed 108-of-188 pass attempts for 1,457 yards, and 20 touchdowns. He has thrown nine interceptions and accumulated 163 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Max Johnson leads Hazard with 1,464 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He also leads the Bulldogs with 32 receptions, 501 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Landon Smith has 31 receptions, 400 receiving yards and six touchdowns while Hank Pelphrey has 26 receptions, 325 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Jayvon White has 13 catches for 176 yards and four touchdowns.
Hazard has for 20 turnovers on defense as Max Johnson leads the way with eight interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Logan Thomas leads the Bulldogs with 108 tackles while Ryan Dean follows with a 100 tackles and a sack.
Hazard will attempt to find a way to slow down Williamsburg quarterback Sydney Bowen.
Bowen has thrown for 1,434 passing yards, and 12 touchdowns. He also leads the Yellow Jackets with 993 rushing yards, and 19 touchdowns while Hunter Thomas has 511 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Cade Hatcher leads Williamsburg with 34 receptions. He also has 413 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Nate Goodin has 28 catches for a team-best 596 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Goodin also leads the team with three interceptions.
Mason Powers leads the Yellow Jackets with 68 tackles while Cooper Prewitt’s two sacks are a team-high.
Hazard leads the series between the two schools, 9-6 but Williamsburg has won three of the last four meetings.
THEY MEET AGAIN: Williamsburg and Hazard ready to see who will advance to regional finals
