Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Brookhaven defensive coordinator Kenny Williams has been formerly introduced as the new head football coach at Columbia Academy. The 31 year old is anxious to get started rebuilding the Cougar football program and has already spent time studying film and meeting with staff. Williams said he’s been focusing on where to place kids and that he’ll do what’s best for the Columbia football program in doing so. Having been on the job for just over one week Williams said, “I’ve been welcomed with open arms from the folks at Columbia and the kids have responded well to what I’m asking of them.”
While this will be Williams’ first head coaching job the Mississippi College graduate has a solid pedigree to fall back on. Williams has had coaching stints at Pillow, Heritage, Central Holmes and Mississippi College, but the most notable has been the recent three years at Brookhaven.
Williams is more than eager to talk about how valuable the past three seasons have been. “I’ve learned from one of the best coaches in the MAIS,” said Williams speaking of Brookhaven head coach Herbert Davis. “He’s a brilliant man and because of him I’ve learned the value of how to be prepared as a coach each week and how to prepare your players.”
The main objective at the onset will be changing attitudes with regards to Columbia football according to Williams. “Instilling the belief that they will win will be key. We’ll work on changing attitudes and helping the kids acquire the mentality that they know they will win. Lots of times the team with the most talent doesn’t win but rather the team with the toughest mentality.”
When asked about the type of offense that Columbia supporters and fa
ns can expect to see Williams said, “There will be lots of similarities to Brookhaven’s offense and we’ll stress enthusiasm and discipline with a focus on fundamentals.”
The Richland High School graduate said he felt the time was right in accepting a head coaching position but leaving so many kids that he bonded with at Brookhaven wasn’t easy. “When you win a state championship you build a special bond with the kids so it can be hard. I love all those kids.”
Williams will also be taking over the Columbia Academy Athletic Director duties.
*Photos courtesy of Sherylyn Evans
