We often hear that a football team is just like a family. 

Sure, the same could be said for other sports teams, but there’s something about football where the family moniker rings especially true. Perhaps it’s the in-the-trenches mentality associated with the game. It’s a rough-and-tough, down-and-dirty, rumble-tumble sport where everything gets left out on the gridiron.

These bonds formed by football teammates last a lifetime. Through thick and thin, football teammates genuinely have each other’s backs — both on and off the field. 

At Holy Cross H.S., Flushing, being a “good teammate” has taken on greater meaning this season, as a member of the Knights varsity squad has been dealing with a challenge no student-athlete should have to face — the loss of a parent. 

Antoine Williams Jr. does it all for the Knights. He’s mainly a running back but also fills in at quarterback, linebacker, and safety. He’s also the team’s punter, kickoff specialist, and returner. Talk about versatility. 

Williams’ father, Antoine Sr., played football at Roosevelt H.S. on Long Island and was a youth football coach. He was all set to join the Holy Cross coaching staff before this season, focusing primarily on the offensive line. 

However, tragedy struck in January when a blood clot rushed into Antoine Sr.’s heart, killing him. He was only in his 40s. 

The Holy Cross football family immediately let Antoine Jr. know they were there for him. Head varsity coach Tim Smith led the charge. 

“He (Antoine Jr.) always had my support, but now, moving forward, that’s going to be doubled,” said Smith, currently in his ninth season coaching the varsity Knights. “Our coaches will always be there for him to make sure we give him the guidance that his father would expect.” 

During the football season – and even sometimes in the offseason – student-athletes spend more time with their coaches than their fathers, so having Smith as a father figure has helped Antoine Jr. through this difficult time. 

“As long as I’ve been doing it, I’ve got a lot of sons,” Smith said. “I spend a lot of time with the young men and get to know them on another level. Guidance is critical to their development.” 

The team has rallied around Antoine Jr., who is an upbeat kid with a positive attitude, according to his coach. He’s been an integral part of the team during his two varsity seasons, and last year, he was named a Tablet All-Star as a punter when he averaged 31.9 yards per punt on 21 attempts. 

Having his teammates by his side has brought comfort to Antoine Jr. as he continues adapting to his changing reality. 

“My teammates have been praying with me,” Antoine Jr. said. “We pray together before practices and before games, and we go to the chapel. There have also been times when my linemen call me at night to see how I’m doing.” 

To honor Antoine Sr., the Knights are wearing a special sticker on their helmets this season. On Oct. 5, in the “Battle of the Boulevard” game against St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows, Holy Cross will treat the rivalry matchup as a dedication game. 

Speaking of dedication, Antoine Jr. said he is dedicating this season to his father. He’s done a fine job carrying on his father’s legacy through the sport they both love — football. 

“My dad taught me that I’m always going to be looked at as a leader, so I have to lead the team and be coachable,” Antoine Jr. said. “No matter if you win or lose, you always give it your best. That was his main theme.” 

Great teammates rise up when things are not going great. For Antoine Jr., relying on his Knights teammates has given him the support he needs during these trying times. 

That’s what a football team does: When one of their own faces adversity, the rest of them band together to overcome the challenge.