Ja’ Tawn Williams started the second-half of the Mckeesport game with a 95-yard touchdown, following the efficient blockers Riley Smith, Tyler Bauer, Brady Prohovic, and Owen Burket, among others. This gave Williams a spot in the running of Athlete of the week, in many different categories. Throughout the regular season Williams accumulated 14 touchdowns for the Wildcats with two pick sixes, three kick- off returns, and nine receptions.
The Wildcat football team is a team of dedicated players. Williams is one of the captains, along with fellow seniors Zach Shuey, Ben Stratton, and junior John Wetzel. They have shown that all their hard work is paying off on Friday nights. The brotherly love on the field contributes to how they work together.
Ja’Tawn and John Wetzel have a special bond that will never be broken. “I think through basketball and football I’ve learned that if he’s not feeling his best I can tell,” said Williams.
Ja’Tawn knows that strong relationships off the field positively impact the playing on the field. “We have a good relationship, because we’ve known each other for a long time. He knows when to throw the ball, right after I come out of my break. He knows when to throw it to me, so we just have a good connection,” said Ja’Tawn. He expressed the friendship they have has helped with the chemistry and stress they feel when it comes to game day.
Practicing new plays and talking through the mistakes help the boys understand each other better. Ja’Tawn said, “We practice our plays during practice until we are ready for Friday.”
Williams said that coach Yester, who is the special teams coach, is one of the reasons he builds up the stats. “He makes practice fun,” said Willams.
These boys have a bond like no other and the import of understanding and reading each other is extremely important. “I hope all these guys come to football happy to see each other and ready to play with their brothers,” head coach Ron Prady explained.
Ja’Tawn said, “Nick Stump is my best friend. This season was different though because we haven’t got to play together all of high school because of COVID and then Nick’s foot injuries. So this year is special.”
All nine of the seniors have grown up together and are cherishing the rest of the time they have together. They keep each other in line and make sure everyone is humble, kind, and excited to play together.
