Passion, commitment, and a true love for the game must be a family trait for the Williams brothers. Allen and Luke can be seen heads above their teammates, playing left tackle, but you will have to cross county lines to see each one play. Allen Williams is 17-year-old senior at Appling County High School; he stands 6’8” and weighs 342 pounds. His little brother, Luke, is a 14-year-old freshman at Pierce County High School, and he stands 6’4” and weighs 292 pounds. Their parents, Cheryl Inman Williams and Michael Williams, had a hand in the love these young men have for the game. Allen said that his dad was always watching and teaching him about the game, and he remembers it being a part of his life at an early age, and when asked what his favorite part of the game is, Allen said it is the competition and showcasing his talent. His mom is glad to point out the letters Allen has received from numerous schools wanting him to play for them, inviting him to camps, and recruiting his talent as a left tackle. Luke’s passion for the game is directly attributed to his family as well, but he likes the contact part of football, stating that “hitting people” was his favorite part. This is a good desire for a left tackle, since their job is to protect the quarterback, and, if the signal caller is right-handed, he is protecting his blind side.
In everyone’s life and passion there is a favorite moment, and for the Williams brothers there are no exceptions. Allen relives his favorite moment when his team upset Peach County in their backyard during the first round playoffs last year. For Luke, his favorite moment is going to State Championship in recreation football. A large part of football is sportsmanship, and according to Luke, to have good sportsmanship, you have to “keep it classy”. Allen says it was simply “if you get beat, don’t get mad; and if you beat them, don’t brag”. Since the lack of sportsmanship has been very evident in the news lately; as a student and a leader, Allen says that being unsportsmanlike “showed a lack of respect, and you are blaming your problems on others”. “You won’t make it far in life or succeed by being a bad sport,” Luke Williams echoes. Like most true fans of the sport, there is someone we have as a hero. For Allen, it is Herschel Walker, and he says it was because Herschel went from being picked on to becoming one of the best athletes of all time. Allen passionately says, “Herschel showed his bullies he was worthy of greatness.” Now for little brother Luke, his hero is his brother Allen, because “he’s good at everything; being a brother, playing ball, and being a good guy (even though we fight).”
Both young men plan to play college ball; Allen hopes to have a career in engineering, and Luke wants a job playing football in the NFL. They both think that bad attitude and not working hard are challenges that are faced today on the field and in life. The Williams brothers also have advice for each other. Allen wants Luke to remember to “work hard, and don’t let anyone tell you can’t do anything”. Luke just wants Allen “not to do anything stupid.” It’s all about brotherly love, respect, and fun for these two. And on October 23, 2015 a night classified as “Senior Night” at Appling County, these brothers will be on the same field, wearing the same number, on opposite sides.
SE-SF-10.15-WilliamsBrothers
SIBLING RIVALRY
By H. L. Flowers
