BAINBRIDGE, Ga. — Bainbridge High School cruised to an easy in Saturday’s first round of Georgia’s Class AAAA football playoffs, but the Bearcats’ best play happened late in a 42-0 victory against Macon Westside.
Freshman Jamauri Williams, who was born without hands, made a 5-yard catch late in the contest for Bainbridge (8-3), WCTV reported. It was the first varsity catch.
Williams said he has been battling doubters throughout his life and uses their skepticism to fuel his drive.
“Brush the haters off,” Williams told WCTV. “They don’t think I can do nothing.”
‘Brush the haters off’: Bainbridge freshman born without hands makes catch in playoff game https://t.co/eM044FdnXT
— WCTV Sports (@WCTVSports) December 2, 2020
The Bearcats, who advanced to the second round of the Sweet Sixteen playoffs and face Savannah Islands High School on Friday night, started quickly and never looked back, scoring 21 points in the first quarter, The Post-Searchlight of Bainbridge reported.
Excelling during a football game is not new for Williams, who scored a touchdown for the ninth-grade team and also kicked off for the varsity squad, WCTV reported.
That work ethic caught the eye of Bainbridge coach Jeff Littleton, who said he first learned about Williams when he was in middle school.
“He doesn’t use it as an excuse, he doesn’t use it as a crutch,” Littleton told WCTV. “A kid that works so hard at what he does, for the limitations that he has, it’s just amazing to see him do the things that he does.”
Williams said his teammates were also supportive.
“They love me, they help me out, make sure I’m good with everything,” Williams told WCTV.
Williams’ mother was also pleased.
“I’m very proud, I never treated him any different,” Colby Williams told WCTV. “He was never raised to think any different than if he had 10 fingers, two hands.”
Jamuari Williams said his goal after this year is to become a starter on offense. His mother has no doubts.
“If you put your mind to it, you can pretty much do anything,” Colby Williams told WCTV.
Cox Media Group
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