High school football: Carmello Williams' patience helps Phoenix rise

Sometimes a win is more than just a win. For Carmello Williams and his fellow Oberlin seniors, it was the culmination of the ultimate test of patience. Most of these kids had been waiting three full seasons for their first win, riding a 31-game losing streak dating back to Oct. 22, 2021. On Aug. 29, the streak came to a fitting end. Williams caught the interception to seal a 13-12 win against Brooklyn. But he and his fellow seniors weren't done, because they turned around and beat Woodward 21-18 the following week with Williams returning an interception for a touchdown. Oberlin is now on a winning streak for the first time since Sept. 14, 2018, when it won back-to-back games. The Phoenix last .500 finish was 2017 and its last winning season was 2012. Since ending the 2017 season on a four-game winning streak, the Phoenix went 6-60 from 2018-24. But now at 2-1, there's hope that better days lie ahead. "It was a very emotional moment for all of us," Williams said. "Seeing how far we've come, it was life changing really for us. It means to world to me seeing my guys win. Some of the guys were crying, it's just amazing to see how hard we fought for that win." Williams didn't start playing football until his sophomore year, but that was more than enough time for him to grow into a playmaker. At 6-foot-4, he's the general of Oberlin's secondary, coach Kenny Washington said he routinely makes sure guys are in the right position and has developed a high knowledge of the game. Of course, that wasn't the case sophomore year, where he was learning on the fly. "One of my good friends Drew Walter wanted me to play," Williams said. "I came out and had a pretty good time, so I always wanted to come back. I love how fast paced everything is and the physicality. Just running around and hitting. It was overwhelming at the beginning, a lot to take in mentally, then physically going out and performing every Friday was draining. I sat with my coaches and really had a talk with them, watching film and learning what to do. The coaches really slowed the game down for me and it opened up the game for me." Through three games Williams has 5.5 tackles and four interceptions, one going back for a touchdown. He also plays wide receiver with two catches for 35 yards and a touchdown. Williams said he watched a lot of film and worked to improve his strength, speed and agility in the offseason, a big reason why he competes in the 400-meter dash and 110-meter hurdles for the track team. He also plays basketball. Washington said Williams is a vocal leader, both on and off the field, and sets a strong example for his teammates in the classroom. "He helps the back end of our defense so much," said Washington, who is back for his second season after the program cycled through three coaches from 2021-23. "He's a vocal leader so he helps put the guys in place as well. He's able to cover a lot of ground. He has four picks on the season and we're going into Week 4 so he's been playing great. It took him a little longer to learn the techniques and the ins and outs of the defense because he started football a little late. He's come in full force this year and is doing great for us." Williams has been at the focal point of both Oberlin wins this year. In Week 2, his football IQ was on full display during Brooklyn's final drive. He said recognized the Hurricanes three wide formation from the previous play, so he set up where the receiver was going to go and the quarterback looked his way Williams was there for the game-sealing interception. Oberlin wasn't done there. Williams said the team entered Week 3 hungry for another win and it showed at practice. He also provided pick-six to help the cause. Washington said there's been a noticeable buzz during the streak, but the team is doing a nice job at keeping things in perspective and focusing on the Lorain County League schedule ahead. "It's truly just long overdue," Washington said. "These guys have been working for awhile and haven't seen any results they liked. This senior class has taken a lot of losses, but it's truly a testament to them to stick through that adversity together. This is a tight knit senior group. They don't let a lot slip between the lines. They're very vocal, and it starts with Carmello." Contact Chris Sweeney at 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com. Follow him @CSweeney1686 on X.