Sapp, Williams team up at Albany State

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, August 16, 2017

THOMASVILLE — During their football careers, Thomasville and Thomas County Central players Tori Sapp and Kelias Williams have been friendly rivals.

That will all change this year, as both of them are beginning their freshman years at Albany State this fall, with dreams of a Rose City-led offense in the years to come.Williams and Sapp have known each other since their years in youth leagues. As they progressed through middle and high school, they challenged each other while playing at rival schools.

“It’s been fun, real good, actually,” Williams said. “Playing against someone you know that’s good makes you play better.”

Both were running backs at one point, but Williams was transitioned to quarterback for his junior season as a Yellow Jacket. He found success in that role, leading his team to a region championship during his senior year.

Sapp was a key offensive leader for the Bulldogs throughout his tenure with them, helping Thomasville to a rebound season last year.

Both made the recruiting trip to Albany together, and discussed teaming up shortly after. In February they both made their pairing official, with both attending the other’s signing.

Both were recruited as running backs for the Golden Rams, but a new coaching staff led by head coach Gabe Gardina intends to utilize Williams as a quarterback instead.

“It’s good because I’ve been doing it forever,” Williams said.

“I feel like they’re coming in and doing a great job,” Sapp said. “They’ve reached out to us and showed that they care.”

After watching each other play up close, there’s a lot they admire about the other.

“He’ll be a good leader and he’s very versatile quarterback,” Sapp said. “He can run, throw. You never go into a game saying, ‘Oh, he’s going to run’ because he’ll throw one over your head.”

“He can get into open space when you get him the ball and make something happen,” Williams said.

Even in high school, the prospect of Williams and Sapp playing in the same offense had been thrown around between them. Now, they hope to make the city of Thomasville proud.

“Both of us are going to a new program, but instead of playing against each other, we’re finally together now,” Sapp said. “Everybody’s kind of wanted to see that. They wanted me to go to Central and him to come to Thomasville. Now they get to see it, and I feel like it’ll be a good thing.

“We’re going to go up there, work hard and push each other every day.”