The Colleges : COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOWL GAMES : Potato Bowl : Williams Gives Fullerton Chance for a National Title

When Fullerton Coach Hal Sherbeck describes his quarterback, Victor Williams, it sounds as if he’s apologizing at first.

“He’s not the biggest guy in the world,” Sherbeck says.

Williams is just under 6-feet tall and weighs 170 pounds.

“He’s not the fastest or the strongest quarterback we’ve ever had either,” Sherbeck says. “But he always seems to get the ball to the right people at the right time.”

Williams, despite his lack of size and speed, led Fullerton to a 10-0 season and a berth in today’s Potato Bowl in Bakersfield with the state and possible national championships on the line. Fullerton, ranked No. 1 in the J.C. Grid-Wire national poll, plays Bakersfield at 1:30 p.m. The Renegades (10-0) are ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 3 in the nation.

Williams came to Fullerton in 1986 from Fullerton High School, and was a redshirt while his brother, Richard, was having an outstanding season. Richard Williams is the single-season and career record-holder in pass attempts, completions and yardage at Fullerton.

Victor split time with Kerry Severson last season. They alternated with Williams, who often was called upon in third-and-long situations.

“It was really tough to try and adjust to last season,” said Williams, 20. “Every time I would come in, it would seem like I had to get a first down right away. But it has helped me this season. I’m more relaxed and don’t press so much.”

Williams has completed 137 of 217 passes for 1,832 yards with 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions this season. Last season, he threw 7 interceptions and 1 touchdown pass.

“Victor reads the field a lot better than he did last season, but a lot of that comes from being more mature,” said Marv Sampson, offensive backfield coach. “As for his size, that has never been a problem. He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but his heart is and that’s what really counts.”

Bakersfield averaged 48 points a game against opponents that were 36-64-1. Only three of the teams had winning records.

“We make no apologies for our schedule,” Bakersfield Coach Carl Bowser said. “That’s beyond our control. Anytime you go 10-0, it’s an accomplishment no matter who you play. Each time our players were faced with pressure, they responded very well.”

Fullerton averaged 34 points a game, but Hornet opponents were 43-50-1, and five had winning records.

Potato Bowl Notes

Presale of tickets has been the best in the history of the Potato Bowl. The Shrine Club reports that 14,500 tickets have been sold. Fullerton sold out its allotment of 1,250. The stadium holds 19,500 and tickets go on sale at the stadium starting at 10 a.m.