Union College senior Willie Williams led the South defense to a 27-0 victory over the North in the 2008 East Coast Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 29, in Petersburg, Va.
In the eight-year history of the bowl game, this is only the second time the South won. It was also the first shutout in East Coast Bowl history.
Williams (Miami, Fla.) led the South defensively with 12 total tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
"I knew I had to put everything out there on the line," said Williams of his performance.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound linebacker set the Bulldogs' single-season record for tackles with 150 while also recording 19.5 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks.
However, Williams was not pleased with his performance in Union's season-ending loss to the University of Saint Francis (Ind.).In the first round of the NAIA Football Championship Series, Williams was limited to six total tackles in the 55-3 loss.
"(Saint Francis) was a great team, and they played a great game," Williams said. "Going against guys from Division I and II, I knew I was going up against tougher competition (at the East Coast Bowl). So, I really wanted to show what I can do."
The game featured 68 of the best Division I-FCS, II, III and NAIA players from 33 different states. All revenue generated from this event is used to award a high school student who will attend a Division I-FCS, II, III or NAIA college with financial assistance.