Williamson Bookends Fort Zumwalt West Win Over Francis Howell

Friday's Gateway Athletic Conference South matchup between Fort Zumwalt West and Francis Howell turned into another gridiron classic.

Zumwalt West, which defeated Howell 34-28 in last year's Class 6 quarterfinal round, beat the Vikings by the same score in a rainy, regular season shootout Friday at Howell Stadium.

West's ground game was the deciding factor in the win, as the Jaguars ran for 214 yards and scored five rushing touchdowns - three from senior Ray Harris and two from junior Teddy Williamson.

Williamson opened the scoring midway through the first quarter on an 18-yard draw play, then closed the door on the host Vikings with a 16-yard draw play with 54 seconds left in the fourth. His second touchdown, which followed a 55-yard touchdown catch by Howell receiver Corey King, broke a 28-28 tie.

Howell's final drive stalled, and Zumwalt West handed Howell its first loss in GAC South play in three years, ending the Vikings' win streak over conference opponents at 15.

Jaguars quarterback Drew Hare was another important factor in the West win. He ran for 102 yards on 26 carries and helped the Jaguars go 5-for-5 on fourth-down conversions.

Check back later for more coverage from this game.