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Stage is set: Williamstown ousts Ravenswood in regionals

'Jackets head to Wheeling Central on Thursday with state berth at stake

By Kerry Patrick 5 min read

WILLIAMSTOWN - Williamstown boys soccer in motion is magical.

For the 19th straight game, the Yellowjackets' passing and wearing down the opponent resulted in a similar outcome in a Class AA/A, Region I semifinal Tuesday night against Ravenswood.

Behind a pair of goals from freshman Davis Harbour and another from Xavier Graeber, Williamstown defeated the Red Devils 3-0 and advanced to Thursday's regional championship at top-seeded Wheeling Central.

"We came out a little nervous, which is to be expected," Williamstown coach Chris Harbour said after his club improved to 19-1. "But once we settled, we played how we wanted to play, which was moving the ball around and getting everybody involved.

"We make the other team chase and we just keep possession. It paid off in the end - (Ravenswood) was tired and we were just passing around and having fun. I was really impressed with the second half."

Ravenswood keeper Corbin Street made six saves before Williamstown finally broke through at the 25:53 mark of the first half. Wing man Rosario Pennisi connected with Davis Harbour floating down the middle of the field for the first goal of the match.

With 11:20 remaining in the first half, Williamstown's offense struck again. Carson Davis attempted a pass downfield to Graeber, who added to his school-record with his 16th goal of the season.

Williamstown emphasized a heavy dose of possession soccer in the second half. On one occasion when the Yellowjackets did decide to attack they created another scoring opportunity for Davis Harbour.

At the 19:49 mark of the second half, Marcus Blasczyk sent a pass from the right hash. Just as Davis Harbour attempted to collect the ball, he was fouled just outside the box.

As Ravenswood established a wall for the free kick, Graeber shared a message with Harbour. On the shot, every individual on the Red Devil wall jumped straight up and Harbour kept the ball low beneath their feet and found a gap between the keeper and the left post for a 3-0 lead.

"We have been working a lot on free kicks and direct plays because they are coming here in the postseason," coach Harbour said. "That's where you have to take advantage. It was a great kick (by Davis). He usually doesn't go well, so it does surprise me.

"I could tell he and 'X' were talking it through, looking at the line. I really just want to teach these guys the game. Take what they give you and play it."

Even though Ravenswood shots on frame were few and far in between, Williamstown keeper Skarin Welsh made two sensational stops on a pair of attempts similar in nature. Both times, the ball arrived just underneath the crossbar, and both times Welsh went vertical and tipped the ball up and over as part of his clean slate.

"I know he wasn't real busy back there, but those two saves he made with the tips were amazing," coach Harbour said. "He is one of the if not the best goalkeepers in the state of West Virginia. He has had a few injuries which have kept him out, but when he has been able to play, he has been just fantastic.

"He is even more amazing of a person and leader on this team."

Ravenswood graduates two seniors from a team which closed out the season at 11-11.

"I have 10 starters back so that is something to grow on," Ravenswood coach Todd Murray said.

Williamstown and Ravenswood met during the first week of the regular season. The Yellowjackets prevailed 3-1.

"Williamstown possessed the ball tonight," Murray continued. "They limited everything we had."

In 16 years of coaching, Murray never had a goal scorer as productive as senior Cade McCoy, a transfer from Ripley High School who finished with 38 goals this year.

"A lot of sadness, obviously," McCoy said. "It was a really good season. I loved the team. The coach was great. My teammates were incredible. Me and my brother moved to Ravenswood this year and they welcomed us more than I can imagine. It was a great transition. Seamless."

Thursday's regional championship is a rematch of the season-opener for the Yellowjackets, who lost 1-0 on that occasion. In the other Region I semifinal, Wheeling Central defeated Oak Glen 7-0.

"We have improved tremendously since then," coach Harbour said. "We also get to play them on their field, which is a lot bigger than ours. We possess the ball and at their field we can get more space.

"The boys are really excited and the coaching staff is excited. This is one the boys have wanted to beat for quite some time. It's going to be a great game."

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com

Class AA/A Region I semifinal

At Williamstown High School

Williamstown 3, Ravenswood 0

RAV (11-11) 0 0 - 0

WHS (19-1) 2 1 - 3

First Half Scoring

WHS: David Harbour (Rosario Pennisi assist), 25:53

WHS: Xavier Graeber (Carson Davis assist), 11:20

Second Half Scoring

WHS: Harbour, 19:49

Next match: Class AA/A Region I championship, second-seeded Williamstown at top-seeded Wheeling Central, 6:30 p.m. Thursday

Starting at /week.