HS FOOT: Williams back playing football at Crespi

After quitting Crespi High of Encino's football team this past summer to concentrate on baseball, Kevin Williams has changed his mind.

One of the San Fernando Valley's top defensive backs, Williams has returned just in time for a much-anticipated showdown Friday against national power St. Bonaventure of Ventura.

"I feel pretty good. I missed playing football and missed playing with my teammates and my friends," Williams said. "I'm trying to get all the schemes down, and I am going to do my best."

Crespi coach Jeremiah Ross had the seniors vote on letting Williams return, and it was unanimous.

"Of course it was unanimous. Kevin is a big part of this team, he's a great person, and we need him," offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu said. "I think after our first game Kevin just realized how much he missed football."

As a junior last season, Williams totaled 47 tackles, one interception and one sack in eight games. In baseball, he batted .312 with two home runs and 24 RBIs as a second baseman to help Crespi win the Southern Section Div. III championship, and he has been offered baseball scholarships by USC, UCLA and Fresno State.

"I'm extremely happy to have Kevin back," Ross said. "Ultimately, I left the decision up the seniors, but I love having him back, too."

In other Crespi football news, Pierce Richardson, a heavily recruited tight end who has been out one game with a concussion, has returned. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior has offers from Iowa State, New Mexico State, San Diego State, Utah State and Wyoming.

-- Gerry Gittelson