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Galveston Ball's Jonah Williams
HOMETOWN HERO: Five-Star Williams dedicating senior season to Galveston Ball
“It’s just such a blessing, taking my God-given talent and displaying it out on the field,” he said. “Getting to this point has taken a lot of hard work and dedication, while staying vigilant in honing my skills. Most of it begins with praying to God, because you need Him in your life in order to live out your dream.”
Williams literally has “GOD-FIRST” tattooed on his thighs to convey the faith that he falls back on in pursuit of his goals.
While he has yet to officially commit, the five-star safety/linebacker from Ball has the dealer’s choice of D1 programs to choose from.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“I’m hoping to see plenty of growth and development as I move onto college ball,” said Williams. “I’m also looking for a place that will help me become a better man, day in and day out. Those are the main goals.”
His explosive speed, football IQ and brutal physicality are just some of the attributes that make the 2024 District 9-5A-I MVP so sought after.
Not only that, but Williams seems to channel the dual-sport skills of NFL Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders with his consistent first-team-caliber performance on the baseball field.
“I think I have great ball-hawking skills because I play center-field in baseball,” he said. “After gaining so much experience in both sports, tracking the ball has become second nature to me. I’ve tried to model my ability after Kyle Hamilton (Baltimore Ravens).”
Over the summer, there was some cause for concern for G-Ball, given that there were reports of Williams potentially transferring to Florida’s IMG Academy.
However, he ultimately made the decision to stick with the Tornadoes for his senior campaign.
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Galveston Ball FootballJamey Wright (VYPE)
“I wanted to stay in my hometown with the guys I’ve grown up playing with,” he said. “I know that one day we all won’t be able to share the field together. That just made me want to live it out with my guys one last time.”
In 2023, Ball claimed their second-straight undefeated district title a year ago, prior to being eliminated by Angleton (40-34) in the Bi-District round of the playoffs.
Rest assured, Williams and the Tors will see to it that they extend their season further in 2024.
“It’s going to be about everybody accomplishing what they have set their minds to this season,” Williams said. “Me and the guys need to get one-percent better through each rep in practice, and I hope to help them strive to be great. The end-goal is a long playoff run, but it starts with the little things as we make our way to that point.”
When your best player is willing to put in the most work, something special can happen.
Could it be the Year of the Tor?
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Some of the stars of 2023-24 Galveston Ball Football
Galveston Ball remains atop DISTRICT 9-5A-DI Rankings
Galveston Ball Tornadoes
Waltrip Rams
Madison Marlins
Sterling Raiders
Milby Buffs
Sharpstown Apollos
Austin Mustangs
Wisdom Generals
Northside Panthers
...
Most Valuable Player
Jonah Williams, Galveston Ball
Offensive Player of the Year
Tyler Tillman, Sterling
Defensive Player of the Year
Stefanos Pathos, Galveston Ball
Breakout Player of the Year
Dontreall Fisher, Madison
On the Cusp
Sterling Raiders
...
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Galveston Ball had its best season in over 20 years and was a scoring juggernaut in 2022. The Tors went 10-1, outscored opponents 556-31 and won the District 9-5A-DI Championship. The last time Galveston Ball accomplished both a 10-win season and district title in the same season, it was 1999. Now, can they carry that momentum over? District MVP Jonah Williams decided to stay home instead of going to the IMG Academy, which is huge for Ball on both sides of the ball. The dual-sport star (baseball) can play anywhere on the field. The Tors will have to replace the Offensive MVP but have solid pieces back. Justin Thomas will pace the rushing attack after racking up 732 yards and 14 scores last year. Also on offense, Corey Sanders (first-team OL) and Arentheis Winn (second-team WR) are back.
On the other side of the ball reigning District 9-5A-DI Defensive MVP Stefanos Pathos returns. Pathos led the team with 89 tackles in 2022. Malcolm Simpson was also named the District Newcomer of the Year on the defensive line for the Tors. Also watch for Chance Bailey at linebacker and Williams (59 tackles) at safety for the Tors. This team is primed to roll again.
Waltrip had its best year since 2017 last season, going 8-3 overall. The Rams return Drake Williams, who was a first-team selection at receiver and linebacker. First-team, all-district safety Jaylen Middleton is also set to return. Middleton was also a second-team, all-district pick as a return man and running back.
The Madison Marlins have found themselves in the playoffs in back-to-back years. Last year in Jason Davis’ first year at the helm, they went 6-5 but do have to replace 1,400-yard rusher Chase Devaughn. Dontreall Fisher was a first-team, all-district receiver (436 yards, 4 TDs), while Nicolas Golden returns on the O-Line as a first-teamer. Korey Dupre and Richoun Williams are two more to watch on the O-Line… they were second-teamers a year ago. Defensively, linebacker Ruben Barralaga is back after being first-team, all-district and tallying 55 tackles. Cornerback Joe Whylie was first-team after an interception and five pass deflections in 2022. Denis Padilla also returns at punter.
The Sterling Raiders have made the playoffs four-straight seasons, which hasn’t been done since the late 80s. Tyler Tillman returns after rushing for a team-leading 644 yards and eight scores, 259 yards receiving and five scores. He averaged 18 yards per punt return. Other key returners include Jacques Brown (WR - 276 yards, 4 TDs), DeAngelo Stevens (WR - 149 yards), Deric Freeman (LB - 52 tackles) and Amar Whiting (LB), Xavier Ross (CB) and Trevion Batiste (S).
Milby went 5-5 and just missed the playoffs in 2022. The Buffs return Gonalo Trigo at RB/LB, he was all-district, second team for both. Sharpstown went 3-7 last year and returns first-team, all-district back Dylan Pardo and first teamer Dany Kiza (WR) from that team. TJ Ward (FB) and Jordan Jackson (WR) are names to remember on Houston Austin, while Vicente Herrera is elevated to head coach for Houston Wisdom and will have the district’s all-purpose player of the year Kariuki Kanairu back. Northside is looking to win its first game since 2020, going 0-10 the last two campaigns.