FULTON, Mo. - Looking to get back in the win column, William Woods Flag Football arrived ready for competition on a cold night at the North Campus Athletic Complex. Both through designed plays and unscripted improvisation, the Owls' run game was the atypical factor that boosted the squad to a 41-31 victory of the University of Saint Mary.
The Spires were able to strike first in the contest, scoring one of two touchdowns early in the first quarter. However, it would be William Woods in control for most of the game. Quarterback
Shamya Williams was a force to be reckoned with on the ground, dodging USM defenders at every turn. She scrambled for 66 yards and three touchdowns, both season highs.
Williams was not the only player to trot the ball in, though. Coach Holloway drew up an unexpected run play to
Jazzy Dunaway, who burst through the heart of the Spires' defense and sped past the secondary for a fourth rushing touchdown of 29 yards for the Owls, proving that you can in fact run the ball in flag football.
While the running game was successful, the passing game was no slouch, either. Williams threw for an efficient 17-28 and 220 yards, connecting on a dime to
Sam Menard for another William Woods' touchdown.
Nivea Boyd led all receivers with five receptions for 56 yards, followed closely by
Addie Chilek and
Jada Dawkins with 44 and 42 yards.
Chilek helped WWU's defense hold the Saint Mary attack to just two scores with 10 total tackles and an interception that she returned for 39 yards. Menard added seven tackles of her own and led the squad with three sacks.
Olivia Menard was allowing little through the air, breaking up four passes. Williams also intercepted a pass and
A'Jah Smith took the quarterback down once.
William Woods Flag Football faces Ottawa University at the NCAC on Saturday, April 4th at 1 p.m.
