CHARLES WILLIAMS
M. CATHOLIC FOOTBALL (OFFENSE)
When the discussion turns to Marin Catholic's dynamic running back Charles Williams, one theme always emerges. Williams, with his silky moves through traffic and his brilliant burst of speed, is a game-breaker.
Williams is the Marin IJ's offensive football player of the year, edging out Redwood's strong-armed quarterback Brady Weingart for the honor.
Two plays from this season come to mind when highlighting Williams' ability to change a game in the blink of an eye.
The first, interestingly, came on the defensive side of the ball in an MCAL showdown against eventual state champion San Marin. Williams, playing cornerback, intercepted a pass while San Marin was driving toward a potential tying score.
Despite contributing limited yards from his running back position in the game, Williams' pick undeniably swung momentum in favor of the Wildcats, who went on to a convincing victory. The other play best summing up Williams' high-flying season was the opening kickoff in the second half in the North Coast Section title game against Cardinal Newman.
Williams broke open a previously close contest with an 85yard kickoff return for a touchdown and the Wildcats cruised to their second consecutive NCS crown.
“With Charles, lightning can strike at any time — whether he has the ball or he doesn't,” MC coach Mazi Moayed said. Williams, who was often used sparingly early in the season in several Marin Catholic lopsided victories, still rushed for 1,239 yards and 23touchdowns. He averaged more than eight yards per carry.
“I tried to defend against Charles as little as possible in practice — so I wouldn't break an ankle,” said MC linebacker Will Clemens. “Put it this way, you're glad he's on your team.” Williams capped the season with a powerhouse performance in a heartbreaking loss to San Ramon Valley in the NorCal title tilt, rushing for 207yards.