Editor's note:
“Outside the Huddle” showcases the often unsung, off-the-field supporters who make high school football special in Akron. Follow us for 10 weeks as we showcase everyday heroes who keep the ball in play.
Desaray Williams watched her son grow up on football fields. Followed his many rushes and tackles.
She cheered as he matriculated from the South Rangers and Patterson Park Vikings of Akron’s pee-wee football circuit and Buchtel High School to Valley Forge Military Academy, the University of Akron and a stint with the Cleveland Browns. (He also played professionally in the Continental Indoor Football League, Arena Football League and Canadian Football League.)
When Bryan Williams returned four years ago to his high school home as the head football coach at Buchtel Community Learning Center, she realized she could support his passion with one of her own.
Pasta. Salad. Bread.
As a catering sponsor for the Griffins, she provides banquet spreads and box lunches for coaches’ meetings, although her most popular contribution is the football team’s pre-game meals, a weekly spread during the fall that satisfies more than 60 teenage boys.
“We have a mother-and-son bond that’s unbreakable,” said Desaray Williams, the owner of West Side Coney Island, a breakfast spot less than one mile from Buchtel.
“Wherever he is, we just accommodate each other on every level.”
When she’s not busy with flour or fries, she turns to her oldest son for football entertainment. She attends Buchtel football games when she can, watching him live out his sports dream.
“She is a vessel for everything that I have done in my career so far,” said Bryan Williams, who graduated from Buchtel in 2005. “She really deserves everything she’s getting right now.”
Buchtel quarterback: ‘She’s helping her son’
Food is a cornerstone of the Williams family. So is support.
Sometimes support arrives as a hug or listening ear. Other times, spaghetti.
Williams adds something different each week to the sauce.
Football players appreciate it.
“She’s helping her son and his football team nourish their bodies before a game,” said senior quarterback Stevie Diamond.
“It takes a lot of love to do that.”
What’s the off-the-menu ‘Son Special’ at West Side Coney Island?
Desaray Williams has cooked all her life, as did Bryan’s grandparents and his sister, Brionna.
The football coach’s favorite meal? It’s a chicken-and-rice dish that his mom makes — although you can’t buy it in the restaurant.
“It’s the son special,” Bryan jokes.
Desiree used to cater out of her home. But 12 years ago, when empty real estate opened up near her residence, she decided to put down roots with a brick-and-mortar location.
West Side Coney Island was born. And now, the local food joint is a tasty option in Akron’s food scene.
Her restaurant donates food to nearby churches, the Salvation Army and other organizations. And she has catered events and concerts at Lock 3.
Sharing food brings her joy. She plans to feed the community as long as she can.
“It’s for life,” she said. “When I do retire, I’ll probably still be around cooking food for whoever in the community needs it.”
