Williamson used a stifling defense and rugged running game to earn a 22-0 victory over LeFlore Thursday night at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.

Nytrayveis Martin led the Lions (1-1 overall, 1-0 in Class 5A, Region 1) on the ground with 91 yards rushing, including a 22-yard touchdown run on the opening drive.

“I can’t say enough about Nytrayveis. He’s out here running hard every down,” Williamson coach Antonio Coleman said, “and he’s just an eighth grader,”

Defensively, the Lions did not allow the Rattlers in the red zone and allowed only two first-half first downs and collected a safety on the Rattlers second drive of the second half when Yusuf Clark sacked Joshua Scott in the end zone.

“Most definitely that was our game plan. That’s Williamson football: Run fast, tackle hard,” Coleman said.

The loss prevented LeFlore from starting season with two wins for the first time since 2004. The Rattlers defeated Chickasaw 33-6 in last week’s season opener, snapping a 23-game losing skid.

Did you know?: Williamson has shut out LeFlore for three straight seasons – 53-0 in 2021, 40-0 in 2022 and 22-0 this season.

Star of the game: Ellis McGaskin stood out on both sides of the ball for the Lions. McGaskin rushed for 51 yards on five carries, scoring on runs of 7 and 30 yards. On defense, he seemed almost unblockable, providing constant pressure and routinely getting into the backfield for tackles.

Top play: McGaskin burst through the line on fourth-and-1 with 8 minutes and scored on a 30-yard run. “We have McGaskin back there because he’s a top notch running back that can make plays,” Coleman said.

Stat sheet: Rattlers quarterback Joshua Scott passed for 61 yards and connected with four different receivers. The Ratters’ longest gain came when Scott connected with De’Antonio Lesueur for 34 yards in the first half.

By the numbers: 7, consecutive victories by Williamson over Leflore. … 2, turnovers forced by the LeFlore defense.

Coachspeak: “We made some mistakes and penalties that hurt us. You can’t do that against a team like Williamson and be successful.” – LeFlore coach Renardo Jackson

“We went full strength tonight, had some guys out last week, but tonight they were out there and played lights out.” – Coleman

He said it .. : “After last week’s loss it was good to get back tonight and get the victory, most importantly play our style of football.” – McGaskin.

What’s next?: Williamson visits Elberta next week, and LeFlore plays at home against UMS-Wright.