Gatorade Player of Year

[MHS1]

Haven't seen Casey from Jesuit, but for me Will Wilson has got to be in the top 2 or 3. Attacking midfielder with all the moves, tremendous stamina, work-rate, and a touch of gamesmanship. Cleats came up twice last night to take out Mandeville players. We were lucky he missed. He should be at Bradenton training with the U.S. National Team under 17 team. Small size is a drawback, but fits the mold of Ben Olson at left mid for the U.S. Nationals. If his teammates had played in the off season for a rec or premier team, he would be able to stand out even more.

[Nick or Nicks Dad]

I was there both games as were you. If you keep hyping this kid, it only helps him. His team scored zero goals in 150 minutes, with him leading them. Does not sound like he is a great leader. He is an average player playing on a below average team.

[dummy]

i'm sorry, but you just don't make OdP Regionals by being average. Will Wilson is very good. Even as a freshman Scott Crawford said he was one of the best players in state. He'll sign a full scholarship to a top Div I soccer program, and if he stays healthy and wants to, will play professionally.

I was also at one of the games. He certainly impressed me. Take him off the field and Mandeville wins first game 6-0 and plays someone else in championship game. The CL parents told me He is the only player on his team who who plays premier. One or two other play rec. By the way, have you seen anyone better? (he was all-state last year as a 10th grader.) I didn't know he was ODP Regional. Of the 3 all-staters at the tournament, he stood out. The other players (from Hahnville and Holy cross) just blended in with their teams.

[Ghandi]

I dont know who the best player in the state is. I think that Someone will step up as the year progresses. But as of yet and it is still early..I have not seen anyone who is head and shoulders above everyone else like a Dwayne Jones, or someone of that nature.

[Former Coach]

Will average player??
Not only did Will make the Region 3 team, he was the leading scorer for them in a tournament against regions 1, 2,and 4. Their only loss was 1-0 to Region 1. To my knowledge no other player from LA has had this success in regional play, including Jones,Gary, or even Kreis. I'm not saying Will is equal to or better than these players - only pointing out what he has accomplished. Why hasn't he been given a shot on the National Team?? maybe Sam Snow knows. But you must have extremely high standards to call him an average player.

[TAGERT]

I have seen Will Wilson play and I hate to be the bearer of bad news but he is HIGHLY over-rated. ODP is definately a joke. Sam Snow...another joke. As the season progresses you will ultimately see very talented players far surpass Will Wilson. I would think if he was as great as you say, surely he would have received an All State MVP award last year. I'm sorry but I didn't see Will Wilson's name listed last year. Look for Jason Garey-Jesuit or Shawn Picou and Jon Menard- Vandebilt for EXTREME soccer!!!!

[MrSoccer]

The 2 players you mentioned from Vandebilt lost 3-0 to a so-called "average" Central Lafouche team. Will set up the 3 goals and scored a PK. He assisted on all three goals Saturday vs. Ben Franklin. I hope you don't make that argument again. I'd like to see the player from Jesuit that you mentioned - Jason Garey, but I think he graduated. For the grand prize, who is your 4th and final choice?

[SAKEM13]

I have played with Shawn Picou in NOSA club soccer. He was involved with our program and could not play for the CL game. Believe me when I say that Will could not even carry Shawn's shoes. And don't forget that the Vandy starters had ONE, I REPEAT ONE practice before the CL game. Shawn, coupled with Jon Menard(All State MVP) and Reid Amedee, will destroy CL in another match down the road. Continue hyping up Will (probably Will and his Dad) and you will be in for the whipping of your life. Look what Mandy did to you.

[Club Coach]

Will Wilson is the best Junior in high school soccer. He will be the best senior next year. He, Lapira, Steen, and Visquez are the top four players in state. He and Lapira show the promise to compete on the next level. Clemson is recruiting Wilson from what I've heard. If that doesn't tell you he's one of the best, I don't know what will. His showing at the ODP Regional level should already be convincing. Picou didn't even make ODP Regional Pool, muchless start and contribute.

[Just the facts]

Baton Rouge Advocate website: Division I All-State Team named February 2002 - First Team underclassmen were Jeremy Laque, Hahnville, Jr., defender and William Wilson, CL-Mathews, So., midfielder.
Second Team - Kyle DeRouen, Carencro, Jr. GK and Casey Steen, Jesuit, Jr. forward.
Division ll (only a first team) -- Menard (MVP of Div ll), Bradlay, Picou, Wheaton, Miller, and Amoss (all were juniors) (Vandebilt Catholic had 5 players on the team).
Div lll (only a first team) --Arnold, Martin, Giacalone, Lapira and Honore (Lapira a soph).
I would never say any of these young men were average. Any of these should be the frontrunner for Player of the Year.

[Playedagainstwill]

Will is an excellent player. Unfortunately he is being hyped up to be the next Beckham. He stands out of his team more than most players because of the lack of talent on the CL team. ODP does mean something when people make it to the regional level. I am on mandeville and as a previous poster stated, without Will CL would have had a worthless team. I think he will definitely play at a Div I college. To say if he will be professional or not needs to be given more time. Lets leave it as this He is a good player that we will wait and see what happens with.