By Nick Hampton
William Karbs is a junior running back and linebacker for the Okeene football squad. Last season, Karbs rushed for 1,133 yards while averaging 6.8 yards per carry. He also added 15 rushing touchdowns and was the leading rusher his freshman season as well. Last season, Karbs rushed for more than 100 yards in six out of nine games.
“William is a tenacious football player,” coach Reese Brickman said. “He is very passionate about the game of football, and you can see that in his effort and hustle on the field.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Karbs has been the Whippets leading tackler the past two seasons at the linebacker position. Last year, he led the team with 120 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Karbs’ success at linebacker didn’t go unnoticed as he was named the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year for District B-2.
During his first playoff game as a freshman, Karbs scored a career-high four touchdowns while adding 14 tackles with five tackles coming for a loss. While nursing a significant injury last season, Karbs scores two touchdowns late in a game at Sharon-Mutual, which sealed the victory for Okeene. He also helped the Whippets to a much-needed win against Cherokee by rushing for 217 yards.
“William is a fierce competitor and hates to lose,” Brickman said. “Because of these reasons, he plays in such a way to give his team an opportunity for success.”
Outside of football, Karbs is also a two-year starter on the Okeene basketball and is a state qualifier in four events (shot put, discus, 4x100m & 4x200m relays) on the Whippets’ track & field team.
Karbs’ dad, Kyle, was a tremendous fullback and linebacker for the Whippets in the mid-90s. And the “Karbs” is a football name in the town of Okeene. Because of that, Karbs takes great pride in representing his family’s name.
“My father has always been a big inspiration to me,” Karbs said. “He was a star football player, and I always heard about how good he was here in Okeene. I just want to make him proud and keep the family cess on the football field alive.”
