By Don Rowe
Special to The Dispatch
SHANNON — Far too often, quarterbacks either get too much credit for a win or an unfair amount of criticism following a loss.
To be fair, however, a quarterback’s performance is closely tied to the offensive line’s play and that combination made all the difference in the world for Aberdeen here Friday in its 26-13 win over the Shannon Red Raiders.
Coming off a 21-0 season-opening loss to 6A Columbus in which he threw four interceptions and was caught behind the line of scrimmage seven times, sophomore quarterback Josh Williams turned in a masterful performance to lead the 3A Bulldogs to their second straight win over the 4A Red Raiders in the past two years.
Williams completed his first six passes en route to a 10-for-13 effort good for 184 yards and added 39 rushing yards on an even dozen carries. More importantly, he did not throw an interception.
To be sure, last week’s dismal numbers against Columbus were directly tied to the offensive line’s woeful performance, but the Bulldogs’ front line this time around was as impressive as Williams’ effort under center.
“Josh probably had the best game of his high school career,” said head coach Mark Bray. “It wasn’t perfect, but the key for us was the fact that the offensive line gave him time to do the things he needs to do in order for us to win.”
Offensive coordinator Alex Williams agreed.
“The first half was probably the best football execution-wise we’ve played since the spring,” said Williams. “The line came out blocking and the receivers and backs did a great job blocking also and that is why Josh had the best game he’s played probably since last year’s Louisville game.”
The Bulldogs’ offensive improvement was only half of the equation though, as Aberdeen’s kick coverage team kept Shannon at bay throughout the contest and coach Sammie Burroughs’ defensive unit turned in its second stellar performance of the season.
“We turned in a good enough overall effort to win, but we also played sloppy at times,” said Burroughs, whose defensive unit stuffed Shannon’s offense four times in the first half on third or fourth and short situations.
Aberdeen scored its first three possessions. Williams’ 13-yard TD toss to Kenric McCoy capped a 45-yard Aberdeen march on its opening drive before Chico Harrison and Justin Lucas scored on 15 and 13-yard TD runs respectively. Aaron McMillian’s 2-point conversion pass from Williams upped the Bulldogs’ lead to 20-0 with 7:23 left in the second quarter.
Shannon quarterback John Thomas Peugh’s 2-yard sneak and extra point kick cut the deficit to 20-7 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, Shannon crept to within seven points of a tie on an 18-yard scoring strike from quarterback Devan Gilleylen to Chavis Dilworth with 6:06 left in the game, but Aberdeen countered two plays later on a 67-yard TD pass from Williams to McMillian to round out the scoring.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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