L.C. Bird advanced to the Region 5C semifinals after grinding out Hermitage 23-15 Thursday night. Jaivon Williams, who missed five games this season, returned to the backfield this week and boy did he make an impact.

On Bird's first possession of the game, Williams lined up at quarterback and led his team down the field. Williams raced 31 yards to the end zone (Kick Hernandez) to put the Skyhawks out front 7-0.

The Panthers would tie the game on their ensuing possession when Corey Morton took the fake punt 48-yards to the house (Kick Megenity).

Williams and the Skyhawk offense continued to pound on the Panther's defense late into the second period of play. Jaivon would score his second and third rushing touchdowns of the game on Bird's next two offensive possessions of the half. His first was a one-yard keeper and the second was an 18-yard scamper as the clock was winding down (Kick Hernandez)

L.C. Bird's only score of the second half came when Sidney Jones sacked Karon Burton in the endzone for a safety. Hermitage scored its only offensive touchdown of the night with 7:25 left in the game. Karon Burton called his own number from one yard out and Jeremiah Coney converted the two-point conversion. The Panthers had one final crack at catching the Skyhawks, but Bird held strong and their offense came out for the final time of the evening in victory formation.

The Skyhawks (8-3) will host Glen Allen (6-5) next week in the Region 5C semifinals after the Jaguars upset Midlothian Thursday night.