WILLIAMSBURG — It was a long time coming for Jerry Herron’s Williamsburg Yellow Jackets, but on Saturday, the wait came to an end.
For the first time since 1987, Williamsburg defeated Paintsville, snapping a 38-year drought with a 24-8 victory in Class A playoff action.
Before Saturday, Paintsville held a 6-1 advantage in the all-time series, including a narrow 36-34 win in their last meeting back in 2019.
The Yellow Jackets’ lone previous win came on August 22, 1987 — a 28-0 shutout. Now, that history has officially been rewritten.
Quarterback Reece Hatcher led the charge through the air, throwing four touchdown passes to power the Jackets’ offense.
He connected with Ethan Moses for a 30-yard touchdown, then found Chase Meddles for scoring receptions of 40 yards and 45 yards.
Williamsburg added to its momentum in the second half with a 1-yard touchdown run by Eli Meadors, helping seal the outcome.
Defensively, Williamsburg’s secondary delivered a dominant performance, intercepting four passes — two by Peyton Hamilton, and one apiece from TJ Cornett and Noble Mattingly — consistently disrupting the Tigers’ rhythm.
Herron said he was proud of the poise and balance his team displayed.
“We played well,” Williamsburg coach Jerry Herron said. “We controlled ball both sides of the ball. Our defense took them out of their game plan. Offensive was able to run the ball effectively.”
The Yellow Jackets (6-4) will be back in action Friday in second round play against top-ranked Pikeville.
