Jones leads Oscar Smith into state title game

HAYMARKET

Former Oscar Smith standout Perry Jones hasn't seen his Tigers play since he led them to a state title in 2008.

He's missed them because he now plays for U.Va., but with the Cavaliers idle, Jones made the trip to Northern Virginia for Saturday's Group AAA Division 6 state semifinal against Battlefield.

His only concern, however, was how his younger brother, Zack, would respond.

"He texted me before the game to tell me not to try to do anything extra just because (he's) here," Zack Jones said. "I was like, 'I'm good. I'm just going to do me.' "

In fact, Jones was amazing, accounting for 228 total yards, two touchdowns and an interception in leading Oscar Smith to a 42-14 victory over the defending state champions.

The win sends the Tigers (13-1) back to the state title game, where they will meet Centreville at 4 p.m. next Saturday at Virginia's Scott Stadium.

"I'm just excited he's here," Jones said about his brother. "I wanted to show him what I can do now instead of him having to wait for states."

Oscar Smith quarterback J.J. Williamson also was spectacular. After a rough start, in which he completed just 2 of his first 7 passes, including two interceptions, he settled down, connecting on 9 of his next 10 with four touchdowns.

"I came out here a little shaky," said Williamson, who finished with 313 passing yards. "I just had to settle down and get back to what I usually do."

With the offense rolling, the defense did the rest. The Tigers stifled Battlefield from the outset. Senior defensive tackle Brandon Riddick returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown to help give Oscar Smith a 7-0 lead.

It was his first touchdown ever.

"I saw the screen and just picked it off... and I just kept on running," Riddick said. "We did what we were taught.

It didn't stop there. The Tigers, led by linebackers Kanaiya Anderson and Rhakeem Stallings, kept constant pressure on Battlefield quarterback Ryan Swingle and bottled up running backs Andrew Smith and Michael Tolliver. Swingle completed just 9 of 20 passes and was intercepted four times. Smith and Tolliver, who came in with more than 1,600 combined yards, were limited to 143.

The Bobcats (10-3), who were playing in their third consecutive state semifinal, suffered their worst defeat of the season.

"Their defense was great," Battlefield wide receiver Sidney Henry said. "They stopped the middle, they stopped the run and they made key interceptions. We have not seen anything like that before. We said all week we were going to get ready for it. We just didn't get ready enough."

Oscar Smith coach Richard Morgan also was impressed with his defense.

"They were hitting kids all night, filling gaps and we had so many big plays from the secondary," he said. "It's really satisfying and gratifying when the kids do what you ask them to do. They followed the game plan to a T."

Perry Jones was impressed with his brother's performance.

"I'd have to give him a B-plus, but that's all he's going to get from me right now because he still has a lot to improve on," he said with a smile. "It was a good overall team effort and I'm glad they came out with this victory. I look forward to seeing them next week."

Stats OS - Coleman 13-81, rushing; Jones 4-197, 2 TDs, receiving; Gooding 5-84, TD; Williamson 11-17-2, 313 yards, 4 TDs. B - Tolliver 16-51 rushing; Smith 17-92, TD rushing; Swingle 9-20-4, 126 yards, passing.

Larry Rubama, (757) 446-2273, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com