Interview by Ragan Allgood, Gainesville High School senior and Next Boulevard intern

Meet Philip Williams! Philip is a senior at Gainesville High School and plays wide receiver for the Red Elephants. His parents are Laura and Todd Williams, he has one brother, Max. So far, Philip has had 13 catches on 21 targets (4-of-4 last game vs. Westlake) for 269 yards and two touchdowns this season.

We want to thank Philip for spending time with us recently and telling us more about his life and love of Hall County.

Question: Please tell us about your family.

Answer: “I live with my mom, dad, and brother. We have two dogs, one’s named Watson and the other is Dan, who’s actually my dog. My grandfather Phil DeMore and he moved here from Habersham last year, and my aunt and uncle also live in town (Chip and Leslie Frierson). We have family dinner every Monday night at Longstreet just to catch up. My family is really involved in my life, and I’m very thankful for that.”

Q: Tell me a little bit about what we can expect from the Carrollton game on Friday.  

A: “We all know it’s a big game. We’ve mostly been focused on ourselves—we’re not really worried about what they have going on. I mean, it’s MaxPreps’ Game of the Week, so we know there’s a lot of media coverage and attention on it. But I think we’re ready for it, and we’ve had a good week leading up to it.”

Q: Where has your high energy on the field and sidelines come from this season?

A: “It’s been a dream of mine my whole life to play high school football at Gainesville. I’ve just had to wait my turn, keep my head down, and work hard. And now it’s finally paying off, finally showing – thanks to my coaches, my teammates, and everyone who’s helped me along the way.”

Q: Who’s your position coach, and what do you like about him as a coach?

A: “My position coach is Coach Deon, and I like him because he always coaches you hard. He makes sure you’re doing what you need to do, but at the same time, he can be your friend. He’s easy to talk to, a really cool coach, and for anything you ever need in life, you can always go to him, he will always be there for you.”

Q: Are there any teammates that you look up to?

A: “I look up to Jamari (Jamarcus) Sims, Roger Holder, Xavier Griffin, Kadin Fossung, and Kharim Hughley.”

Q: How long have you been playing football, and since what age?

A: “I think I started playing flag football when I was five. I played flag for maybe one or two years, and then I started playing tackle football when I was seven.”

Q: When you’re on the sidelines, what are your pump-up songs? Who do you like to listen to?

A: “I like a lot of jam bands, like Widespread Panic and the Grateful Dead. Rock music always gets me going, too.”

Q: Who are some of your favorite teachers here at the school?

A: “My favorite teacher this year is obviously Coach Shaw, because I see him as one of us. He’s always talking to us, and he teaches Marketing. Another one of my favorite teachers, even though I haven’t had him in two years, is Mr. Price, my AP Lit teacher. He was just a really good guy to talk to. No matter what, he would always take time for you – even if he came in late one day, he would still be there talking with you. He’s just a really good dude.”

Q: What’s something on your bucket list?

A: “I would say going out West and fly fishing. I’ve always wanted to do that, but I haven’t gotten to yet. I mean, I’ve done some fly fishing before, but I just think it would be really cool to go to a place like Wyoming or Montana and do it there.”

Q: What’s one of the most beautiful places you’ve been to, or one of your favorite places?

A: “I would say my favorite place I’ve been to was Alaska. Just seeing the glaciers and the wildlife was incredible. When we went, we even saw two whales. I think that’s definitely the most beautiful place I’ve been to.”

Q: “What are some local restaurants you like here – maybe your top three?

A: “I like Longstreet, that’s one. Number two, I would say Inn-Between sandwiches. And then number three, it’s not really local, but I’ve always loved Moe’s.”

Q: What’s something unique about Gainesville that you like?

A: “It’s considered big, but I don’t really see it as a big city. There’s not a lot going on, really not much to do other than hang out with your friends and family. And honestly, that’s what I like about Gainesville.”

Q: Whether it involves football or not, where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years?

A: “I see myself at a university, majoring in construction management, because that’s the field I want to go into.”

Q: If someone were making a movie or series about your life, who would play you?

A: “I would say my brother, Max.”

Q: Do you have any favorite TV shows or movies?

A: “I would say my favorite movie is ‘The Sandlot,’ and my favorite TV show of all time is ‘Stranger Things.’”

Q: What’s your favorite month? Your favorite holiday? And what would you say is the best single day of the year?

A: “My favorite month is October, because that’s when college football starts getting more competitive, and it’s fall – there’s just a lot to do in the fall. My favorite holiday is Christmas. And October 25, my birthday, is the best single day of the year.”

Q: What are three words or phrases that come to mind when you think of home?

A: “I would say calm, safe, and relaxed.”