Lee Trawick
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The Lafayette High School football team had high expectations going into the 2023 football season. Although they finished with a 7-5 record, the Hornets still managed to reach the second round of the Florida High School Athletic Association(FHSAA) playoffs.
During the season, the Hornets' coaching strategy had to change a bit due to some holes in the team. "You never want your quarterback to have to play both ways, but this year we had a few holes to fill, and Tywan [Williamson] is more than a quarterback; he's a football player," said head coach Marcus Edwards. "The situation we had this year required us to put Ty on defense, and he did a great job for us."
Williamson, a sophomore, was already in his second season as the Hornets' starting quarterback. Opposing teams were fully aware of Williamson's elusive skills at the quarterback position. They understood that containing Williamson in the backfield was the key to slowing down the Hornets' offense this season. Despite this, Williamson still managed to lead the area in passing yards, touchdowns and quarterback rating.
Williamson is the grandson of Joseph Edwards, who has been dubbed the greatest Hornet of all time; the nephew of Hornet great and current head coach Edwards; and the son of Paris Edwards, who is also considered one of Lafayette High School's greatest athletes. Williamson does not shy away from the legacy before him; instead, he relishes it.
"I strive to have my name mentioned with them one day by creating my legacy at Lafayette High School and representing my family with the utmost integrity and character on and off the field," Williamson said. For him, it is not about the glory or accolades, but simply about becoming a better athlete and a greater person every day.
Williamson was more than a dual-threat quarterback; he was also a two-way player. Throughout the season, Williamson accounted for 26 touchdowns, with 1,728 passing yards for 20 touchdowns and 297 rushing yards with five touchdowns. He averaged 140 passing yards per game, which equated to a quarterback rating of 96.1.
This was Williamson’s first year on the defensive side of the ball, where he earned the trust of his coaches to be left on an island at the cornerback position. He honored that trust with four interceptions, including one that he returned for a touchdown.
Williamson led the Hornets to a 7-5 overall record this season, including a win in the regional quarterfinals round of the FHSAA playoffs.