Football: Sylmar turns to quarterback Clarence Williams

There’s little doubt who’s the leader and go-to player at Sylmar High. It’s junior quarterback Clarence Williams, who passed for 42 touchdowns as a sophomore.

“As he go, we go,” first-year Coach John Brazil said Wednesday before practice. “We expect big things from him and he knows that.”

Williams said he has been focused on maintaining his composure during good and tough times. He has lots of quality receivers this season, including Anthony Muse and Danny Mendoza.

There’s a standout returning running back in Marcus Gandy.

The big challenge for the Spartans is developing the offensive and defensive lines. There are lots of first-year varsity players on the line, and they’re going to face a tough nonleague schedule in Crespi, Roosevelt and Palmdale.

Then comes the Valley Mission League opener against San Fernando before packed stands.

Brazil was the interim coach last season. He runs the offense, and he has lots of trust in Williams, a hard worker who also plays basketball and loves competition.

Sylmar should be one of the top teams in City Section Division II by season’s end.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer