Football: Walker, Davis lead Woodrow Wilson

By Phil Anastasia

A lot has changed for Woodrow Wilson High School senior quarterback Tymir Walker since last season.

Starting with the return of Dae'shon Davis.

"That was huge," Walker said of Davis' decision to re-enroll at Woodrow Wilson after spending his junior year at Camden High School.

Walker said he and Davis have a "connection" on the field that dates to their days as seven-year-olds playing for the Staley Park Panthers in Camden's Centerville section.

Davis said the pair have a unique bond.

"We have something that nobody can break," Davis said of his rapport with his quarterback.

Through two games, Walker and Davis have revitalized the Woodrow Wilson football team.

After going 0-10 last season, the Tigers are 1-1, averaging 30.5 points and playing with confidence heading into Saturday's home game against Camden Catholic (1-2).

Walker is among South Jersey's leading passers. He has completed 23 of 46 passes for 431 yards and six touchdowns.

Davis is among South Jersey's leading receivers. He has 13 catches for 360 yards and six touchdowns, tied with Timber Creek's Adonis Jennings for tops in the area.

"The difference from last year to this year, 'Oh my goodness,'" said Woodrow Wilson second-year coach Thomas Tapeh, a former Eagles' fullback. "Those two guys (Walker and Davis) are working their tails off. They are leading the way."

Walker started all 10 games season, completing 71 of 168 passes for 1,041 yards and six touchdowns. He took his lumps as the Tigers scored just 116 points and lost every game except one by at least 20 points (the exception was a 15-point loss).

"It was tough," Walker said of the 2012 season. "You had guys acting like they didn't even want to play anymore. This year is a lot different. Guys are working a lot harder."

Tapeh said Walker was a leader for the Tigers in off-season workouts.

"He must have added 20 pounds," Tapeh said of the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Walker.

Davis spent freshman and sophomore year at Woodrow Wilson, attended Camden as a junior and returned to Woodrow Wilson this past summer.

Davis just 5-foot-7 and around 160 pounds but his speed, quickness out of breaks and ability to adjust to the football in the air have made him one of South Jersey's most productive receivers.

Davis said the key has been his relationship with Walker.

"He just knows where I'm going to be and knows where to put the ball," Davis said.

Both athletes said the Tigers are determined this season to rebuild the program's reputation after the difficulties of 2012.

"We want people to know we're Woodrow Wilson," Davis said. "We're not last year's team. We're going to make a mark."

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

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