Saraland sophomore Ryan Williams ran for two touchdowns, caught two touchdown passes and almost threw for a touchdown.
The near-miss on what was supposed to be a double-pass from Williams to Santae McWilliams turned out to be the most spectacular play in a 48-14 victory over Wetumpka that showcased all of the Spartans’ explosive playmakers.
With five minutes to go in the first half, Saraland’s led 14-7, and coach Jeff Kelly called for Williams to catch a long lateral before throwing a pass to McWilliams in the end zone on the opposite side of the field.
What actually happened was Williams was pressured before he could find McWilliams. So, he scrambled from one side of the field to the other. About 20 seconds later, he cruised into the end zone with a 23-yard touchdown run.
“I caught the ball, but I couldn’t find Santae at first,” Williams said. “By the time I saw him, I thought, ‘I’m not sure I’m capable of making that throw.’ I got some great blocks. Once I start scrambling, everybody knows what time it is.”
The sophomore trio of Williams, McWilliams and quarterback K.J. Lacey were at their playmaking best, despite not playing the final 14 minutes.
Williams, a Class of 2025 Alabama commit, finished with five rushes for 69 yards and touchdowns of 23 and 15 yards. He also caught seven passes for 141 yards with touchdown catches of 60 and 47 yards.
McWilliams ran 19 times for 100 yards, including touchdowns of 4 and 43 yards. Lacey completed 17-of-25 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns.
The Spartans also got a defensive touchdown when Isaih Bowie recorded a strip sack, and sophomore defensive lineman Antonio Coleman ran it in from 25 yards out.
“We have a very determined defense,” Bowie said. “On that play, the tackle blocked down, I read my key and got the sack.”
Coachspeak: “After the first half of the first quarter, that’s the best football we’ve played all season. We settled in and played well in all three phases of the game.” – Kelly
“We played a team better than us in all three phases tonight. But this season was about an identity change for us. And that happened. I’m proud of these guys. They’re motivated and excited about where we’re going.” – First-year Wetumpka coach Bear Woods
Week of uncertainty ends well: Saraland had to deal all week with the distraction of a lawsuit and the possibility the Spartans could miss the playoffs because of a question about the eligibility of a player who transferred to the school this year. Ultimately, the Spartans took their place as the No. 2 seed from Class 6A, Region 1.
“Our kids showed up focused and ready to work every day this week,” Kelly said. “They showed a lot of maturity.”
By the numbers: Saraland had 33 runs for 212 yards and completed 17-of-26 passes for 259 yards. That’s a total of 59 snaps for 471 yards, an average of 8 yards per play. … Wetumpka ran 28 times for 128 yards and completed 11-of-22 passes for 131 yards. Quarterback Nate Rogers ran 20 times for 99 yards and passed for another 131. He scored on runs of 6 and 12 yards.
What’s next?: Saraland (10-1) and travels to Tuscaloosa to face No. 3-ranked and undefeated Hillcrest, which defeated the Spartans 24-16 in the third round of last year’s playoffs. Wetumpka’s season ends with a 7-4 record.
