Mayfield (13-1) vs. Williamsburg (14-0)
December 6, 2014 @ 11:00 AM
A rematch of the 2013 Class 1A state championship game pits the Mayfield Cardinals and the Williamsburg Yellow Jackets. The Cardinals are appearing in a sixth-straight state title game while the Yellow Jackets are playing in only the school’s second state championship game. Mayfield dispatched of Williamsburg in 2013, winning the game by a score of 42-0. Coach Joe Morris and his Cardinals will be looking for a third-consecutive state title and the school’s eleventh overall, while playing in its 20th state championship game. Coach Jerry Herron and the Yellow Jackets hope to win its first state title in only the program’s second appearance.
Players to Watch
Mayfield has sophomore playmakers at quarterback and running back that will give the Yellow Jackets fits. Running back Trajon Bright and quarterback Landon Arnett had outstanding seasons propelling a Cardinal offense that averaged 41.1 points per game. Bright ran for 1,885 yards on the ground while scoring 31 rushing touchdowns. Arnett threw for 1,984 yards and 23 passing touchdowns, leading MHS to 40+ points in nine different games this season.
Senior Skyler Griffith anchored a Williamsburg offense that ranked third in scoring this season. The quarterback connected on 123 of his 205 passes for 2,380 yards while throwing 41 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. Griffith was named the Russell Athletic/KFCA District Player of the Year for Class 1A’s 5th District. The senior also ran for 781 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading WHS to an undefeated season and back into the state championship game.
Statistics to Consider
79 – The Cardinal defense allowed only 79 rushing yards per game through the state semifinals, good enough for eighth-overall in the state of Kentucky.
36 – Williamsburg had a scoring margin of 36 points per game this season, which ranked the Yellow Jackets first in the entire state. Coach Herron’s club won two games by 69 points and its only win that wasn’t by at least 26 points came in mid-September when WHS defeated Newport 31-22.
What to Expect
When the Cardinals and Yellow Jackets do battle this Saturday, expect a lot of points. This Williamsburg team is much more experienced and downright better than it was a season ago. As for Mayfield, Bright and Arnett did play as prominent of roles as they have in 2014. Who will win? The safe bet is Mayfield but I wouldn’t put it past the Yellow Jackets to make it a game at L.T. Smith Stadium.
