The player of the still-young high school football season is, without a doubt, Mallard Creek quarterback Marquise Williams.

He's led his team to a 3-0 record and an all-time best No. 3 Sweet 16 ranking. The Mavericks, who beat East Mecklenburg 74-0 Friday, have outscored three opponents 161-6. Williams, a North Carolina commitment, has thrown 13 touchdowns.

"This year," he said, "I feel more confident running my offense and it feels good delivering the football. Last year, I was not as confident in what I had."

A big difference, besides an upgrade in personnel, is new Mallard Creek offensive coordinator Aaron Brand. Brand, as talented a developmental coach as you'll find in the area, is a former head coach at West Charlotte and offensive coordinator under Tom Knotts at Independence. Williams said Brand has pushed him hard to get better, helping to improve footwork issues that had been his biggest problem.

"You need a coach to be hard on you, to tell you what you're doing wrong," Williams said, "somebody to be in your face when you mess up. I needed a coach like that to help me be a better person. He's been wonderful for me."

I asked Williams how he felt about his future team, the Tar Heels, who have pulled multiple starters due to NCAA and school investigations. For now, Williams said he's firm in his commitment.

"I'm still trying to see what's going to happen," Williams said. "My family is trying to see what's best for us. If they go on probation, I'd have to decommit, but if they don't go, I'm going to be a Tar Heel.

"To be honest, I'm not worried about it right now. But sometimes it does worry me. It's like, if something happens, where will I play next year? Will I find the right place for me? So it does come to my mind, but I'm trying to finish my high school career out."

West Rowan won its 33rd game in a row Friday, beating Davie County 40-0. It was Davie's worst loss since 2002. I thought Hibriten might be the western favorite in the 3A class. Looks like someone is going to have to deal with coach Scott Young's team, the year after it lost two All-Americans to graduation. Friday, QB B.J. Sherrill threw for 148 yards and rushed for 88.

Most first-year schools don't win any games. Hough, coached by Bobby Collins, beat Waddell on Friday and is now 2-0. Quantarius Jordan rushed 20 times for 170 yards and a score in the Huskies' 16-0 win.

Hough won its first road game two weeks ago at Rocky River and now has won at home. Next week, the Huskies have a real chance to go an improbable 3-0, playing Garinger at home.

Besides first-year Hough being 2-0, is there a bigger surprise in the area than Mooresville? New coach Hal Capps has turned around a team that was 0-11 last season. Mooresville is 2-0 after a 59-0 win over once-powerful Catawba Bandys Friday.

Tailback Brandon Jones had nine carries for 167 yards and kicker Kyle Phillips had a 50-yard field goal. Mooresville's outscored two teams 83-0.

Here are the top five football rivalries in the Observer's coverage area. 5. Boiling Springs Crest-Shelby; 4. Kannapolis Brown-Concord; 3. Rock Hill-Rock Hill Northwestern; 2. Country Day-Charlotte Catholic; 1. Independence-Butler.

I'm tempted to rank Catholic-Country Day first. Some of the best games I've seen in my 22-year career have been between these two. Friday's double overtime finish was one of the best I've seen in awhile. Catholic scored on the final play of regulation.

In the first overtime, both teams scored on their final offensive play to keep the game going, and Catholic finally won by scoring - and stopping - the Bucs in the second OT.

And the fans. And the atmosphere. And the stakes. It doesn't get much better.

"It's the best," Country Day coach Bob Witman said. "If you find better, let me know."

Don't think I can.