Williams catching on as Las Vegas’ new go-to guy

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2002 | 10:33 a.m.

When the Las Vegas High offense needed a big play during the 2001 football season, there was little doubt whom the Wildcats would turn to.

Tailback Antione White filled that go-to role and then some, scoring 50 touchdowns to go with nearly 3,000 rushing yards. He scored in every game, including an overtime game-winning TD in the Wildcats' state title win over McQueen.

Fortunately for Las Vegas coach Kris Cinkovich, the Wildcats still feature one of Nevada's brightest offensive stars: senior Corey Williams. Though Williams is a receiver rather than a running back, he is expected to succeed the graduated White as the Wildcats' top playmaker.

"He's got to be if we have aspirations of being a good team again," Cinkovich said. "Last year, the personality of our team dictated we become more of a smashmouth team. This year, our passing game is ahead of our running game, and Corey is a big reason for that."

A third-year varsity starter, Williams has made his share of big catches. In 2001, the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder pulled down 48 balls for 607 yards and eight TDs, including a 14-yard score in the back of the end zone in the state championship game.

Those type of impact plays, along with a state track title in the 110 meter hurdles last spring, were enough to interest the University of Washington, which received an oral commitment from Williams over the summer.

Cinkovich said he expects even more from Williams, and the coach is constantly designing new plays to get the ball to him.

"He had a great summer in the weight room, and we're very optimistic he'll have a big year," Cinkovich said. "We're moving him around in different formations -- he's running sweep handoffs and reverses and catching wide screens -- and we think he can be a good weapon for us that way as well."

Williams welcomes the chance to help his squad by touching the ball more often.

"We're looking at ways to get me the ball more than last year, so I'll run it more," Williams said. "I'll do whatever it takes. As long as I get the ball, it's all right."

Williams' success will depend largely on the development of first-year varsity starters at two other key positions, quarterback and tailback.

Senior Aaron Jenkins, a converted wide receiver, replaces Steve Creech behind center. Jenkins' accurate arm and athletic ability have drawn praise from coaches and teammates as he adjusts to his new role.

"We always knew he could throw the ball, so we told the coaches to put him in at quarterback," Williams said. "Off the field, we're real good friends, and I'm confident he'll get the job done."

Regardless of how strong the passing connection between Jenkins and receivers Stanley Copeland, Ryan Meuir and Williams might become, Cinkovich warns Las Vegas will need a consistent running game as well.

"We have to get the running game going, and right now it's still a question mark," Cinkovich said. "If we can run the ball, (defenses) won't be able to gang up on Corey."

Junior Greg Hansborough (White's half-brother) and sophomore Ray Barnes -- a pair of varsity newcomers -- will attempt to fill White's massive shoes. Williams, for one, has confidence they will get the job done.

"Greg is more of a power back, and Ray is more of a shifty runner," Williams said. "At least one of them is going to have to step up for us, and I think they will."

Just as Cinkovich believes his top wideout can step up and become the new prime-time option on offense.

"Antione was huge for us last year, but whenever we played a big game Corey played big as well," Cinkovich said. "He's matured quite a bit, and I think we'll see that on a consistent basis this year.""