FOOTBALL: Do doing his thing at Temple City
Do steps right in as Rams leader
Senior fills Broadnax's big shoes
Temple City High senior running back Will Do has established himself as a team leader for the Rams this season with the graduation of Dwight Broadnax. (Leo Jarzomb/Staff)
Question: How good can this guy be?
By Scott Galetti, Staff Writer
TEMPLE CITY - Temple City High School has a history of sending quality players onto the football field.
With the graduation of running back Dwight Broadnax, the Rams needed someone to step in and be the next team leader.
Senior Will Do doesn't know how to just step in.
After spending the 2006 season as the Rams' No. 2 option behind Broadnax, who led the team with 2,181 yards and 22 touchdowns, Do, with his 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame, has bulldozed his way into the leadership role.
Do carried the ball 30 times for 162 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-35 loss at Arroyo last Friday. He also caught three passes for 27 yards.
The Rams bruising back showed glimpses of what he was capable of last season when he rushed for 366 yards and four touchdowns with help from Broadnax.
"I learned playing with Dwight that you just really need to work hard and make yourself a better player every day," Do said.
An area that makes Do special in the eyes of first-year coach Randy Backus is his yearly progression.
"Will was an outstanding freshman football player and then he came up to the varsity as a sophomore and had some growing pains," Backus said. "Halfway through his sophomore year things started to click for him and he's been progressing and elevating his game ever since.
"He's become a true student of the football game. He understands the nuances and schemes that we try to do, and he just gets better at it."
Unlike most star athletes, Do comes out to practice and doesn't mind doing the chores that might be associated with underclassmen.
"He's a genuinely nice kid and he's taken his senior leadership to the nth degree," Backus said. "We have a water wagon and he takes it out to the practice field and charges the batteries. He passes out the team uniforms before the game.
"He's taken a lot of pressure off me being a coach by doing the simple little things that makes the entire football team better."
Do has made the team better by just going out and doing his job - something that impresses Backus the most.
"Many seniors become fat cats where they're fat and satisfied, and he's not that way," Backus said.
Added Do: "Since I've been on varsity for three years, I've kind of learned the responsibility of being the team leader and my coach is always telling me to lead by example so I always try to work my hardest and do my best."
In addition to playing football all four seasons, Do has made his mark on the basketball court and baseball field as well.
He batted .261 with one home run and 13 RBIs in 2007 as the Rams finished 20-8 and reached the CIF-Southern Section Division V semifinals.
On the court, Do averaged 9.1 points and 5.3 rebounds.
"He's always in an arena of competition," Backus said. "Whether it's on the football field, the baseball diamond or the basketball court, he's out there to compete and be the best that he can be."
"He wants the ball in a pressure situation, whatever sport it is."
Do has grown up with a diverse background. His father is from Ghana, while his mother grew up in Los Angeles.
He's been playing sports since he was 4 years old, but being an avid baseball lover, he didn't take up football until he was in eighth grade.
Now Do enjoys playing all three sports with equal passion.
"The hard thing is that my body doesn't get to rest much because I'm going from sport to sport to sport, but I just love competing," Do said. "I wouldn't be able to try to concentrate on one sport because I'd probably get bored with the sport."
An avid fan of Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson because of his ability to catch the ball no matter where it's thrown, Do hopes to make it as a Division I college football player and ultimately be a two-sport athlete with baseball.
"If a team wants me, I'll go out and compete again," Do said. "I just have to keep working hard and trying to get better because someone out there is working just as hard."
Comments
With the exception of the ill-timed fake punt, Lopez called a stellar game again. 28-0 at half, against a Moor team that had some strength and speed in the backfield
Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2007 11:42 AM
Lopez Watch,
As far as I can see Coach Lopez Is doing fine. His team is 2-0. Now whatever problems the Varsity have is between them. I think that you are just a little envious of him and how he is overcoming the circumstances.
Posted by: Wonka | September 16, 2007 2:23 PM
Anon 11:56: Yeah, I thought about that when I heard rumblings on the field about how severe the injury may or may not be.
Posted by: ScottG | September 16, 2007 12:07 AM
see you talked to him you weren't their so you relly dont noe
Posted by: lopez watch | September 15, 2007 10:33 AM
Lopez Watch,
You obviously don't know what your talking about. Coach Lopez has never had anything bad to say about that kid. He doesn't even know him. After talking with Lopez it seems he doesn't want to be portrayed as his brother. He had nothing to do with the event and just wants to get back to coaching. By the way great game Lopez I love the play calling.
Posted by: Wonka | September 15, 2007 10:17 AM
Coach M,
Who do you think I learned it from...? I saw what you and Coach Maloney as football coaches greatly benefitted from the competitive spirit from guys like Danny, JT, Mark, Tony, Decker, etc who were playing multiple sports. Those same guys were playing for Mickey and winning CIF titles in the spring. I remember JT draining a tre from midcourt at MHS one year as time expired in the first half.
Guys who deal with pressure year round are less likely to crack when the game is on the line.
Do you know if it's true that A-Rod turned down a football scholarship to U of Miami?
Drop me a line with your new email address. Do you still have mine?
Posted by: New York | September 15, 2007 8:16 AM
geez, way to jinx this kid Scott, now there's a "featured" player jinx in the Star News
Posted by: Anonymous | September 14, 2007 11:56 PM
MM
just returned from the JV game, Rams 28, Moors 13. TC- not much team speed, not many bodies either, but the group is fighting for every foothold they can get. Pretty much the same frosh group that struggled last year. This year, fundamentally better, blocking and tackling. Great to see Coach Luna notch a couple solid wins.
Posted by: Goldenarm | September 14, 2007 8:06 PM
O-Cat
Thanks for the compliment but I think your boys are already in very good hands. Besides my playoff record is shameful!
NY
Love your stuff. Ask any of my former kids who are all over this blog about my philosophy on multi-sport participation and you'll see we think alike on that.
If it matters to anyone out there, you can't learn to deal with the stress and pressure of competition in practice. When it's 4th and 2, I want a kid who's had to drain a 1 and 1 to ice a hoops game or a kid who had to get an escape with 3 seconds left or a kid who had to make a PK or a kid who had to stand in the box with 2 outs and 1 on in a tie game....you get the idea. I never made my kids stay in football all year...quite the opposite I wanted them to gain other valuable experience through additional competative activities.
HS is a short period of time and it is the only time that they will have so many opportunities. Take advantage and try everything. And if football is what you really care about, It will make you a better football player in my opinion.
Good luck to all the young men out there.
Posted by: MM | September 14, 2007 5:53 PM
This article makes me envious of schools that are able to support there students enough so they are able to play three sports. The kids ends up getting the most out of high school and no coach "loses". Not that coaches should be anywhere close to consideration. Do excelling in three sports made the pie bigger. Everybody got more.
Posted by: New York | September 14, 2007 11:49 AM
oh god... so i decided to write something on here for once.... miss ya mooney, thats all i got to say, but for real... this kid has a heart thtat puts most to shame... its because of mooney that this kid works hard day in and day out without the big head... even though i dont get to work alot with this kid as a coach, i see how he leads by example... coach soldier has alot to do with that though!! miss chillin on wed... work always gets in the way!!
tomorrow is ours!! GO D-LINE!!
Posted by: always51 | September 14, 2007 2:04 AM
Moooooney is money! Great to have you back and your insight. I hope you continue to post comments. Do is legit and I wish him the best, too.
Posted by: the real hsfbfan | September 13, 2007 5:09 PM
Coach Mooney,
Welcome back. Stop being a silent observer. Get rid of the necktie. They're bad for circulation. Get back to the gridiron where you belong. Stop fighting nature....
Posted by: New York | September 13, 2007 2:53 PM
I have both played and coached with Coach Lopez and he is a great guy and its true, everybody likes him... Lopez and Coach Luna (what's up Gerorge?) have done a great things with the current JV team, as the improvement from last years frosh team is enormous...
Another thing is this year's varsity o-line is well behind last year's o-line at this point in the season (no disrespect fellas). Last year's line had three returning starters, this line has one, and the rest have little varsity experience. Yet Do still racked up 160 plus yards. Once the O-line gains experience, look out Rio Hondo.
And Coach, leaving us for San Marino, I can see that, you used to work there and its nice, yatta yatta yatta... But Monrovia... c'mon now coach...
The State of Georgia still hates General Sherman...
Posted by: 4merram | September 13, 2007 2:36 PM
What's up Coach Mooney? Can we borrow you over at Monrovia High. We dont have the money but we have the talent and you have the brain that can take that talent all the way in any Division to the Finals and WIN it!....think about it...there will be other perks.
Posted by: Observantcat | September 13, 2007 12:33 PM
Working on Coach Luna's staff, Coach Lopez probably called his best game ever on Offense against Arroyo, mixing the ground attack with some mid-range passing. With the majority of kids going both ways due to a small roster, the JV's were the only TC team to take a victory home from Arroyo(28-12)last week. Anyone who has seen Coach Lopez's work ethic knows he will only get better and better
and be a positive factor for all players he works with. As far as Will Do, the 200 yard game will happen...and very soon.
Posted by: Goldenarm | September 13, 2007 12:07 PM
Hey Coach Mooney,
Nice to see you on the blog again. Hope to hear your thoughts on these high school football games like last year!
Posted by: Nervo | September 13, 2007 11:37 AM
As the former coach at TC I would like to echo my support for both Will and Coach Lopez. Having coached both as players and having hired Coach Lopez, I can tell you they are both men of the highest integrity and work ethic. They are the eptiome of what I tried to create as a culture and mindset while working at TC. I have been and continue to be very proud of both of them and the TC football program.
From what I can tell they havent missed a beat without me and that makes me proud because the system is bigger than the individual...and that is as it should be.
I just felt compelled to chime in once the issue of Coach Lopez became unfair.
Keep fighting for yards Will and suck that rock up high and tight! You continue to impress me and make me proud.
Good luck to men...because I know you read and post despite my best efforts to prevent it!
Coach Mooney
Posted by: Mike Mooney | September 13, 2007 11:25 AM
thank you for backing me up on the issue with coach lopez... he is well liked and a great coach... like i said, there is no drama at all with the team... coach backus addressed the issue but now we moved on... its in the past!!
Posted by: Anonymous | September 13, 2007 9:56 AM
MAIN PAGE QUESTION:
Did the "Game of the Week" replace the "Athlete of the Week" section on the webpage? I can't find it.
Posted by: | September 13, 2007 8:48 AM
Will knows what he has to do he knew it from the begining he is going to be great he will hopefully go far
Posted by: EX RAM | September 13, 2007 12:12 AM
Yea, at TC, the locker room is like Vegas, what happens there stays there. Anyways, in regards to Coach Lopez, him and his brother are polar opposites. He is well liked by all coaches, players, and parents and is nowhere near the trash his brother is.
Posted by: Nervo | September 12, 2007 9:39 PM
Great piece on a seemingly great kid. I watched a bit of that highlight from Arroyo and the kid is pretty good. BTW, I love kids who like Do who don't get caught up in the superstar drama and keep it humble, great job Mr. and Mrs. Do.
Posted by: The Stang Fan | September 12, 2007 5:28 PM
I agree with TCguy as an ex player thats what we were taught. what happens in the locker room stays in the locker room! PERIOD
Posted by: raminsider | September 12, 2007 3:38 PM
That's crap, whatever happens in the locker stays there. Every former player knows that, we LEAVE it in the locker and when we're in the field its Business. Take that to fact and Deandre's death happened, and get over it, its sad that it did but welcome to reality. Take your trash and eat it
Posted by: TC Guy | September 12, 2007 1:09 PM
drop the crack pipe, maybe take some english classes -
Lopez is no banger and is well liked across the board - ask the players.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 12, 2007 12:13 PM
first off, the whole thing with the " Lopez " comment was takin way out of text... the team is fine and there is no drama... its people like you that bring stupid drama into the picture... learn the " real " facts before posting BS...
Posted by: Anonymous | September 12, 2007 11:15 AM
my apologies on over -stating his yds per carry -
the stat sheet I had said 17 for 162
Posted by: Goldenarm | September 12, 2007 11:06 AM
Williams Do has a good chance to become great. He is one of my best friends and all of the things people say about his character and what type of guy he is, its all true Good Luck in this season "Kudjo" and you know where to go next year
Posted by: raminsider | September 12, 2007 11:04 AM
l.watch -
cheap shots on a blog and meaningless reports of locker room dissention are both crocs which TC and Do disproved against Arroyo. Near 10 yards a carry should tell you where the O-line and Williams Do are at. Do is a class act, surrounded by solid players and led by coaches with integrity already established.
Throw that trash ball another direction.
Posted by: Goldenarm | September 12, 2007 11:01 AM
Williams Do is the real deal. I've known this young man for 3 years and he is a genuinely nice kid with tremendous talent. His head is in the game not in the stars counting his stats. I expect great things from him this season and in the future, both on an off the field!!!
Posted by: Fan of the "Do" Show | September 12, 2007 10:39 AM
Do is a throwback player who knows he has to put his team on his shoulders. He's lucky to have coaches who know that he can stay on the field the whole time.
Posted by: New York | September 12, 2007 9:50 AM
ummm.. well... he has speed and size... not as quick as dwight, but he will punish you in the open field... plus, his attitude as a team leader is way better than dwights!! expect to see this kid make plays that will make you rewind films over and over again... both on the offensive side and defensive side of the ball.. glade he is on my side and not on the opposing side... he is a great kid all around the field!!! 200 + yards a game is not a dream in this kids book.. its only natural...
Posted by: Anonymous | September 12, 2007 3:07 AM