Southwind football's Antonio Keefer is fueled by his Christian faith, and that devotion draws others to follow.
With one hand on the turf, the Ole Miss-committed left tackle surveyed a stout Whitehaven defensive front before the snap.
Southwind's game plan was simple: Give the ball to Auburn-committed running back Khamoni Williams
and let him follow Keefer's lead to the outside. The pair of four-star players would do the rest."Antonio is a leader,” Williams said. “He’s a Christian, and he makes me believe in God, so whatever he says, I’m going to do.”
Williams rushed for four touchdowns inSouthwind's 40-28 win over Whitehaven on Oct. 9. Southwind improved to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in Region 8-6A, while Whitehaven fell to 5-2 and 1-1. Keefer and the
offensive line nicknamed the “U-Haul Boys,” ran the show as the Jaguars scored five rushing touchdowns.
A victory in this rivalry means more than a typical regular-season win. The two Memphis mainstays often go toe to toe for region superiority.
Keefer said the joy of beating their rivals could bring him to tears on the way home.
“I’m really at a loss for words. All I can say is, ‘To God be the glory,’” Keefer said. “I’m going to cry on the bus for sure.”
Before the game, Keefer also prayed for the safety and success of his teammates and coaches.
Williams and coach Jerome Griffin praised Keefer as a team leader. Since Williams transferred to Southwind from Memphis Business Academy, he and Keefer have developed a lasting bond beyond football.
“We’re so close. If I see him down, I’m going to pick him up,” Keefer said of Williams. “We’re two SEC players, and we’re blessed to have this opportunity. We thank God.”
Southwind's offensive line is the backbone of the program. Seniors Keefer, Chris Campbell, Ryan Jenkins, Micah Ashby and Zachias Ratliff make up the “U-Haul Boys,” a veteran group that consistently dominates the line of scrimmage.
“That whole offensive line, those guys are three-year starters,” Griffin said. “They worked really hard tonight, and it showed. They made those lanes. Against a six- or seven-man box, they made the lanes.”
Keefer credits the offensive line's success to its next-play mentality and selflessness.
“If somebody blocks the wrong man, go kill somebody else,” Keefer said with a laugh. “We’ve been together since ninth grade. To me, we’ve got what we need. We are the U-Haul Boys. We’re security, and we strictly enforce. They’re my brothers. No matter the ups and downs, we’re taking care of business.”
The Jaguars are in the driver's seat in the region. Their final region game is at home against Germantown on Oct. 30. However, Griffin said the program's goals cannot be achieved until the postseason.
Although Southwind defeated Whitehaven on Oct. 9, Griffin said the teams likely will meet again in the playoffs.
Reach The Commercial Appeal's high school writer, Ryan Myers at ryan.myers@commercialappeal.com and on the X platform @RyanMyers_23.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How Southwind followed lead of two SEC football recruits to dominate Whitehaven
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