OFFENSE
The University of Richmond commit had no experience playing the quarterback position when he was inserted into the lineup as a starter last year, but throughout this year, Jasiah Williams has bolstered the Thomas Dale offense, especially late into their season.
Williams was named the Village News Offensive Player of the Year as he went aflame in Thomas Dale’s last six games of the season, putting up 23 total touchdowns in the six-game period, pushing the Knights forward to their eventual loss in the regional final to Oscar Smith.
On the season, Williams threw for 1,111 yards and 11 touchdowns, ran for 647 yards and 15 scores, and even brought down 24 receptions for 409 yards and 5 more touchdowns. He wasn’t already all over the field to begin with but defensively, he even had 57 tackles, 10 passes deflected, and an interception.
With this full season as a Knight under his belt, Williams led Thomas Dale to a 9-4 record and a postseason appearance while putting up big stats, yet it’s not just his football skill that Dale coaches appreciated about him.
“He’s a kid first to class and practice and the last to leave,” said Tucker. “If he’s missing any of our practices, it’s because he’s making up a quiz or a test. He holds himself to a high standard.”
DEFENSE
For his play on the gridiron this season, Matoaca linebacker Juleon Pointer was named the Village News Defensive Player of the Year.
“He came a long way to be a such a great leader on our defense. He worked extremely hard this offseason,” said Matoaca head coach Jay Parker. “Last year he contributed, but this year he led.”
Pointer was a big part of the Matoaca defense, playing plays as the Warriors finished the season 5-5, two games better than last season and nearly making the playoffs.
The senior led the team with 80 tackles, had 4 1/2 sacks, recovered four fumbles, and caused two. In terms of individual games, he had a season-high 13 tackles in a 20-15 loss to Dinwiddie. He also amassed 11 in a 55-0 victory over Meadowbrook. A consistent performer, he only recorded fewer than seven only twice in ten games.
“His productivity was through the roof compared to last year. He has developed into a legitimate college recruit. He led our defense in tackles and had an All-Region caliber season,” Parker said.
Colleges have taken notice so far, as many Division III schools have contacted Matoaca and Parker with interest. Parker said that he expects his recruitment to pick up soon, with even more schools interested in the 6-1, 205-pound athlete.
