The Bell Bulldogs didn’t start the 2025 football season the way they hoped, dropping their first four games. But after picking up their first win against OPCA, they strung together their best performance of the year in a 42-point outburst against Dixie County.
Junior running back Landin Williams scored four touchdowns in the victory, earning UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week honors.
“None of us were happy with the way the season started, but our first game got canceled and it just took some time to get used to playing with everyone,” Williams said. “Coach Whittington and the rest of the staff just kept telling us to keep grinding and things finally clicked.”
Williams, who was born in Gainesville and moved to Bell in fifth grade, said his bond with teammates has been key to the turnaround.
“I don’t do a ton of stuff outside of sports, but it’s great to be able to do it with my guys,” Williams said. “This community of Bell is always helping us with what we need, and it’s awesome to see their support each and every Friday night.”
The victory was also special for Bell head coach Joey Whittington, a Dixie County alum. The two schools hadn’t faced off since Whittington’s playing days.
“The whole team knew we needed some extra juice to get the W for coach,” Williams said. “It was cool to have him come back to where he grew up and get to compete against those guys.”
Williams tied his career high with four touchdowns, crediting teammates for paving the way.
“RJ (Leffler) is so dynamic back there that people have to pay attention to him, and it allows me to do my thing,” he said. “We also have Fran (Kealey) blocking people out of the way, so all I have to do is run.”
Despite the slow start, the Bulldogs remain in the postseason hunt as they try to return to the state championship game. Williams said staying healthy will be key, and he credited athletic trainer Katie DeVoe for keeping him and the rest of the guys healthy.
“Katie is awesome, she helps us all out so much,” Williams said. “We all get nicked up, but she’s there telling us what to do so we can get back out there and compete.”
Football is Williams’ best sport, and he hopes to continue playing at the collegiate level. He also plays basketball and runs track for the Bulldogs. Bell will head to Duval Charter on Friday night, looking to make it 3 in a row in the win column.
Each weekly UF Health Athlete of the Week winner is eligible for the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year scholarship, a $2,500 award presented at the end of the 2025–26 academic year.