OAKWOOD — With 14 returning starters and a huge jump in numbers, Johnson is ready to put two injury-riddled seasons in the rearview mirror.
The Knights will dress 70 players, the largest number in more than a decade, and will have an experienced offensive line to lead the way. They should also have a deep backfield -- though they are still looking for a starter at quarterback.
Defensively they have a solid secondary core, paced by Orion Pittman, and a talented linebacking group.
Johnson will still play a non-region schedule in 2015 but coach Jason Roquemore is hoping a breakout season could help set the table for a move back into region play.
"Obviously we would love to get back into a region, but we're still building the program," Roquemore said. "I think this could be a special year for us, barring injuries and the like. Our focus is on getting better each day, each week. If we do that we'll look at what the future holds."
JOHNSON: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Knights
- TEAM COLORS: Blue and White
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Jason Roquemore, fourth season, 10-20
- 2014 RECORD/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2-8, playing non-region
- KEY LOSSES: FB/LB Jesse Griggs
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Double-slot -- The Knights want to keep the ball on the ground and control the clock.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 7 returning starters -- Sr. OL Eli Vasquez, Sr. OL Andrew Temple, Jr. OL Cameron McCarthy, Sr. OL Jordan Randolph, Jr. TE Chandler Barkley, Sr. Slotback Eric Gallardo
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 3-4 -- Johnson will feature more of a read-and-react type of defense but will blitz and attack on ocassion.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 7 returning starters -- Sr. S Orion Pittman, Jr. LB Cody Long, Sr. LB Brandon Berry, Sr. S Darian Bunch, Jr. CB Dillon Berry
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. PK/P, KR Darian Bunch
- STRENGTH: Offensive line/running back -- Johnson will feature an experienced offensive line in front of a deep backfield. A large senior class may be ready for a breakout season.
- QUESTION: Quarterback -- Lack of experience at the position could be critical early. Roquemore may not announce a starter until opening week.
- KEY GAMES: Playing a non-region schedule but West Hall in the "Battle of Oakwood" is always big. Knocking any off the one of six playoff teams from a year ago on the schedule would help build confidence.
- TRENDING: Two injury-riddled seasons derailed any momentum built in Roquemore's first season when the Knights went 6-4. But with 70 players in the program and renewed enthusiasm for what could be a solid 2015 season, the Knights could use that to springboard back into possible region play next year.
2015 SCHEDULE
(Playing Non-Region Schedule)
Aug. 21 vs. Madison County
Aug. 28 at West Hall
Sept. 4 at Banks County
Sept. 11 vs. Lumpkin County
Sept. 18 at Pickens
Sept. 25 vs. Riverside Military
Oct. 9 at Osborne
Oct. 16 vs. East Hall
Oct. 30 at Franklin County
Nov. 6 vs. Dawson County
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
