By BRIAN TORTELLA
Correspondent
On X @tortreports
WILLIAMSTOWN — Despite a rebuilding Williamstown High squad coming into Friday night’s action riding a four-game skid, Rancocas Valley senior Montre Wilson knew the Braves wouldn’t be a pushover.
For a while, he was correct in his assessment, but then he turned on the jets to lead the Red Devils past Williamstown, 28-7, to spoil the Braves’ homecoming game.
“We knew this was a Group 5 school, so it wasn’t going to be an easy one,” he said. “We knew off the coin toss when they received the ball that they were going to take a shot. I had to be the captain that I am and step up and make a big play for my team.”
On the first snap from scrimmage for Williamstown, Wilson snagged an interception along the sideline.
Although in great field position, the Red Devils (4-2, 2-1 West Jersey Football League Colonial) weren’t able to capitalize, failing to get any points on the board on that drive. Williamstown (1-5, 0-2 WJFL Classic) went on to score and take a 7-0 lead through one quarter.
“Great start, but sluggish start in a weird way,” RV coach Garrett Lucas said. “First play obviously getting an interception. We wanted to come out and set the tone, we did that, but obviously didn’t capitalize on that drive.”
Junior quarterback Sayvien Adams found Brody Deiter in the end zone the following drive to even the scoreboard up at seven a piece, but after that it was the Montre Wilson show. With 7:21 left in the first half, Adams found Wilson in the end zone on a deep shot to give the Red Devils the lead and they never looked back. He also ran for a touchdown with 4:47 left in the third to give the Braves a 21-7 advantage heading into the final frame.
“We think that we have some top skill position kids in South Jersey overall,” coach Lucas said. “The way that they were covering Brody (Deiter), it’s going to open up other guys like Montre. That’s what we anticipated coming into this, when you take away one, (other) guys have to be ready to answer the call.”
Deiter had a career day last week, finishing with nine receptions for 254 yards and two touchdowns in the Red Devils’ loss to Camden. Although he scored the first and last touchdowns for Rancocas Valley, throughout most of Friday’s game Williamstown heavily covered Deiter. But as his coach said, that opened up the opportunity for Wilson. He doubled his number of catches on the season, making four grabs for 81 yards and a touchdown. He also has nearly 300 rushing yards this season. Adams now has thrown for 1,170 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“It’s a blessing, I can’t ask for more,” Adams said about having talented skill position players. “They come out here and execute every week. I don’t question them at all. I know they’re going to make a play every single time. Every time I throw the ball, I trust them to make a play.”
When asked about his connection with his quarterback, Wilson jokingly responded, “we have a little love-hate connection,” he smiled. “He finds me here and there. Whenever he finds me, it’s a great find.”
It was on Friday night, that’s for sure.
Next up for the Red Devils? A date with Washington Township on Thursday night. Last year, the Minutemen eliminated RV from the Central Jersey Group 5 playoffs.
Now, it’s revenge time.
“Last year we lost in the semifinals to Washington Township,” said coach Lucas. “We’re headed down there on Thursday and we’re excited about it.”
GAME NOTES: Jameson Hollander went a perfect 4-for-4 on PATs for RV. The offensive line was also dominant, giving Adams plenty of time to throw and connect across the field.
Click this link to see the full post-game video interview: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAuYYzxNSFU/?igsh=bHJ2YmhnMTZzbTQw
WHAT’S NEXT: RV travels to Washington Township on Thursday at 6 p.m. Williamstown travels to Cherokee on Thursday at 6 p.m.
