For the first time in four years, the  Williston-Elko High varsity football team won’t be playing for the Class A division II champion.
On Friday night at Carson Stadium in Greenville, Williston-Elko High’s streak ended in a 42-12 loss to Christ Church High.
The three-time defending Upper State Champions (WEHS) simply ran into a much different Christ Church squad than the one they defeated 27-21  in last years’ Upper State Finals.
This time around it was a one-sided affair as the Cavaliers controlled the momentum from the opening kickoff.
They jumped to 14-0 halftime lead and never let up adding four more touchdowns in the second half.
Cavaliers senior quarterback Hunter Townes inflicted the most damage on the Blue Devils. Townes ran for two touchdowns and passed for 179 yards.
Christ Church High will now play Lake View High at Benedict College Friday at noon for the state crown.
For the Williston-Elko High a series of miscues cost the team another trip to the finals.
The Blue Devils committed three turnovers, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Those giveaways put the Blue Devils in a hole which they were unable to pull themselves out of.
Williston-Elko High coach Dwayne Garrick said his team made too many mistakes against a very good  and well-coached Christ Church team.
“Christ Church played well in all phases of the game. Their kicking game kept us pinned deep in our territory. They scored on special teams and offensively, they moved the ball well on us,” Garrick said.
Despite the lopsided score, the Blue Devils were in the game at the start of the second half. Three plays into the third quarter, Jarius Jenkins scampered 62-yards for a touchdown. Rokeem Williams ran for the two-point conversion to cut the lead 14-8.
The Cavaliers, however, responded with two more touchdowns, including a fumble recovery in the end zone to seize control late.
Running backs Jarius Jenkins and Rokeem Williams provided the few highlights for the Blue Devils. Jenkins ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Williams led the team with 165 yards. Williams finished with 276 all-purpose yards in  the contest.
Defensively for the Blue Devils Shaquan Gaffney, Brian Baxley, Todd Mitchum, Anthony Cuthbertson, Jerry James, Juan’Yee Jenkins and Jahamya Jenkins all played well.
The loss ends the Williston-Elko High season at 10-3 overall. After dropping two games to start the season, the Blue Devils went on a 10-game winning streak, including being undefeated in region play.
“We would have liked to be moving on, but I’m very proud of these kids. No one picked us to finish this high and certainly no one expected us to be playing for the Upper State title again,” Garrick said.
“We’re losing some quality seniors. They’ve done a lot for this program and will definitely be missed. Next year, we have a good nucleus coming back and we’re looking forward to making  another title run.”