In Jimmye Laycock's final game as Tribe coach, Spiders raise stop sign in 10-6 win
JOHN O'CONNOR·8 hours ago
WILLIAMSBURG - Five minutes after William & Mary faced third-and-26 in the second quarter, the University of Richmond faced a third-and-28.
That's about how UR's 10-6 win went Saturday at Zable Stadium. In the final game of Jimmye Laycock's 39-year career as Tribe coach, he didn't see much of what he enjoyed directing since 1980: wide-open offense. W&M scored its touchdown with 47 seconds left and missed the extra point try.
"We just couldn't get in rhythm," Laycock said. "Not sharp, and probably a lot of that was Richmond."
The final score suggests this game may have been played on a sloppy track or in blustery conditions. In fact, it was a dry, sunny, crisp fall day. Richmond captured the Capital Cup for the seventh time in the last eight years.
"There was a lot of emotion with Coach Laycock today, but bottom line was neither one of us were catching a pass, blocking anyone, or making a tackle," UR coach Russ Huesman said. "I am proud of our guys for finding a way to win a rivalry game. The Capital Cup means so much to our players, fans and alums that it is good to keep it in Richmond."
Laycock, 70, paced the Tribe sideline with arms usually crossed, as he has for decades. Occasionally, he engaged in an animated conversation with an assistant on the other end of the headset. He stepped away with a record of
249-194-2, and into the arms of his granddaughters at the 25-yard line as he left the field for the last time.
Huesman, on behalf of UR (4-7, 2-6 CAA), before the game presented Laycock with a replica Capital Cup in honor of his contributions to the rivalry. Huesman is a former W&M assistant under Laycock.
Under Laycock, the Tribe earned 10 FCS playoff berths, reached the semifinals twice, won five conference titles, and finished a season nationally ranked 13 times. During the 2010 season, W&M ranked No. 1 in the FCS poll.
At halftime, about 400 former W&M players and football staff members walked together from an end zone to midfield. There, they watched a prerecorded message from Laycock on the stadium's videoboard.
He thanked the ex-players for making W&M football what it is. Then together, the players faced Zable Stadium's home side and together yelled "Go Tribe!"
Three Spiders - starter Reid Chenault, wildcat runner Caleb Drake, and Joe Mancuso - took snaps before the conclusion of the first quarter. Before the break, William & Mary (4-6, 3-4 CAA) missed a 32-yard field goal attempt and Richmond missed a 44-yard try.
The lone productive offensive series in the first half came when Richmond capped a 17-play drive (extended by a successful fake punt) to take a 7-0 lead with 10:45 left in the second quarter. Griffin Trau converted a 43-yard field goal in the final minute of the third quarter to make it 10-0.
W&M, helped by a couple of penalties against the Spiders, drove to Richmond's 21 with 12 minutes left. Shon Mitchell, in for starter Ted Hefter (shoulder injury), threw a pass over the middle right to UR linebacker Dale Matthews, who returned it to W&M's 45. Matthews, a senior, also ran the ball on the successful fake punt that set up Richmond's touchdown, and was named the game's most valuable player.
"I wanted our seniors to have a great memory tonight and I was happy we could send them out in the right way," Huesman said. "Our team played for each other and focused in on each and everyone's jobs. This was a team victory and I am so happy for our seniors but also happy for the guys coming back as they played a big part in the win today."
Laycock will continue to reside in Williamsburg. He said he hasn't given a thought to what's next on his agenda, apart from spending more time with his family.
In coaching circles, speculation regarding Laycock's successor commonly involves former Richmond and Virginia coach Mike London, who grew up in Hampton and is in his second year as Howard's coach.
