Returning quarterback could help bring stability Springdale needs

By: Bill Hartlep
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 4:01 PM

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Springdale’s offense lacked consistency last season, with injuries and a shorthanded roster forcing coach Chad Walsh to switch his entire scheme upwards of five times.

Having to swap linemen and shift skill players over and over was done out of necessity and wasn’t ideal for competing in the Class A Eastern Conference, leading to a winless record.

Entering the 2025 season, the Dynamos have taken steps to shore up that side of the ball, with returning starters on the line and talented playmakers at tight end, receiver and in the backfield.

They also have a new, yet familiar, quarterback to lead the charge.

Sophomore Jackson Williams, who grew up in Springdale but played at Seton LaSalle last season, transferred back and is set to be under center when the Dynamos open their season at Chartiers-Houston on Aug. 29.

“It will help us make the transition to what we’re trying to do,” said Walsh, who is entering his second season at Springdale, “change some things around a little bit this year to try to gear things around it to fit our skill set a little more.

“Hopefully with him coming in there, he’s been here, we get the stability, he’s starting to get some timing down with the receivers, starting to get familiar with them.”

Williams (6-0, 165) saw action with the Rebels’ junior varsity last season and got a chance to hone his skills in the passing and running game.

His dual-threat abilities will give the Dynamos options offensively and help them improve on their 2.1 points-per-game average.

“My ability of knowing the game, knowing coverages, I know where the holes are in the defense,” said Williams, who will also play free safety. “I’m great at reading coverages and being an improviser. My running ability gives me a better skill set than (other) quarterbacks.”

Walsh credited Williams and several other returning starters for generating interest in the program and stressing accountability to take part in the offseason workouts and prepare for the season.

“We were able to do the 7-on-7 stuff,” he said. “We didn’t get any of last year. … We were able to play our defense, play the offense, start to understand the X’s and O’s a little more.

“(Williams) is an athletic kid. Hopefully, we can get in a little bit of a rhythm and that gives the defense one other person they have to worry about.”

The offseason work allowed Williams to connect with his top targets, including junior running backs Corey Brooks and Wes Hickman, senior wide receiver Daniel Mamerchol and junior tight end Trevor Clark, among others.

“I think at first there was a lot different (with the offense), but we’ve come to evolve around him and learn how he plays,” Hickman said. “He can really chuck the ball.”

In addition to having quarterback stability, Walsh can lean on a larger roster this fall. The Dynamos have 29 players this season, compared to last year when they were down to just 12 healthy bodies at some points, even having to cancel a game against Burrell.

With additional stability, a bigger roster and a plan for being consistent, the Dynamos hope wins will follow.

“My goal for this team this year is to have a winning season,” Williams said. “We’ve just got to go out there and play. Bring us the winning season that we’ve been waiting for.”

Bill Hartlep is the TribLive sports editor. A Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, he joined the Trib in 2004, covering high school sports. He held various editing roles before assuming his current position in 2019. He can be reached at bhartlep@triblive.com.

Tags: Springdale