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by Michael Smith Grain Valley senior running back Ty Williams couldn’t have imagined having a breakout season like this. In fact, he said he didn’t know what his main focus was going to be for the 2023 season. “Going into the season, I was just happy to play my role,” William said. “I didn’t know that role was going to be whether it was blocking or scoring five touchdowns.” The 6-foot, 210-pound running back is having the kind of year that will likely have him in the running for the Simone Award, given to the best player in the Kansas City metro area. On Friday, he continued his torrid pace toward a rare milestone as he rushed for 217 yards on 13 carries and scored four touchdowns. Williams brought his total rushing yards to 1,905 for the season following his team’s 43-6 rout of Raytown on the road, which clinched the Eagles second consecutive Suburban White Conference championship. According to MSHSAA.org, only 24 players in the history of Missouri high school football have rushed for 2,000 or more yards in a season. Williams could become the 25th if he gains 95 or more in the Eagles Class 5 District 8 semifinal game in two weeks. Grain Valley clinched a first-round bye after earning the No. 1 seed in the district. As he has done all season, Williams deferred the credit to his offensive line, which opened up big holes for the senior, who scored on runs of 49, 17, 37 and 43 against the Blue Jays. He hit pay dirt untouched on all four carries. “They make me look better than I really am,” Williams said. “Anyone could have run through those holes. I think they are the best offensive line in the state of Missouri.” The success of the ground game for the Eagles has been a collective effort. The blocking from the offensive line, tight ends and the wide receivers has opened up some things for Williams. But his success also wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for his efforts. Williams' advanced-level agility has allowed him to evade tackles at a high rate, his well above average speed has allowed him to run away from defenses when he gets to the second level and he has upper tier strength, which has allowed him to break tackles all year long. “What a great kid,” Allie said of Williams. “He’s obviously big, strong and fast. But he understands it’s not all him. He gives credit where credit is due. If he keeps going like he is, he could break the school record (for rushing yards in a season).” Williams is part of the reason the Eagles won’t have another game until Nov. 3. It will be important for the team as it has some players on the mend from injuries. Allie said senior wide receiver Noah Olah could make his return from a broken clavicle in the district championship game should Grain Valley win the district semifinal contest. Other players like offensive lineman Korbyn Goodwin and Logan Bennett could make their returns some time in the playoffs and senior cornerback Braylon Harden left Friday’s game with a tweaked knee, but could be back in time for the district semifinals. “We’re starting to get healthy and the bye week will help even more,” Allie said. “Tribute to our guys working hard and getting that bye. We need it.” On Friday, the Grain Valley defense continued its success as it held Raytown to just 146 yards of total offense. That unit has now held opponents to just 15.1 points per game since week four. That defense allowed Grain Valley to go into halftime with a 35-0 lead following the four TDs from Williams and a 29-yard scoring pass from senior Sal Caldarella to wide receiver Anthony Greco. Raytown scored its only TD on a 1-yard run from Travon Johnson in the third quarter, but Caldarella helped the turbo clock turn back on at the 1:05 mark in the third when he hit tight end Peyton Woodrome for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Late in the third and early in the fourth, allowed some of his backups to get some reps in before the playoff start. Even junior DJ Harris got to tote the football again as he carried the ball four times for 30 yards. Harris was a committee of running backs for his freshman and sophomore years, but in 2023, he was converted to a linebacker while Williams became the bell cow. Even while playing mostly defense this season, Harris said it felt good to play on offense again. “It felt good being back for sure,” Harris said. “I am starting to get comfortable again. I have been down on myself lately and have been hard on myself. Having a chance to go out there, I had to give everything I got.”  On Friday, running back Ty Williams continued his torrid pace toward a rare milestone as he rushed for 217 yards on 13 carries and scored four touchdowns. Williams brought his total rushing yards to 1,905 for the season following his team’s 43-6 rout of Raytown on the road, which clinched the Eagles second consecutive Suburban White Conference championship. Photo credit: Clara Jaques Photo credit: Clara Jaques  Comments are closed.
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