Knights focused on competitiveness as rebuild continues

OAKWOOD – For most programs, dropping down to play a non-region schedule would seem negative.

But Johnson coach William Harrell is hoping the Knights' move to do just that for the next two years will serve as the catalyst to put the program back on the gridiron map.

When Harrell arrived at Johnson in the summer of 2020, he didn't even meet his team until August because of COVID restrictions. The numbers had dwindled into the teens and there was talk of perhaps not having enough players to field a team.

However, Harrell, now in his third season, insisted from Day 1 that he choose to come to Johnson in an effort to help rebuild the program into a competitive program.

“This has always been a long-term situation for me and the staff,” Harrell said. “I wanted to be at a place where I can help build something. I love mentoring young people on the game of football and about life in general. I’m right where I need to be.

“The numbers are starting to climb and I feel like we’re building great relationships with the kids. These next two years are pivotal in building the program to where it needs to be.”

Harrell said playing a non-region schedule was being used as the means to instill confidence back into the program from top to bottom.

“No one really wants to play non-region, but it was a decision we came to as a collective group. At this moment for this program, this is the way to get back to where we want to be,” he said. “When I got here, I was the third coach in three seasons. The kids notice when there isn’t a lot of continuity in a program. Then COVID hit. Those things really hurt this program.”

His first two seasons in Oakwood were not what he envisioned after he arrived from Hephzibah, where he helped rebuild a Rebels program that had posted just three winning seasons the previous dozen years. His last two campaigns in Hephzibah they went 15-6 with two playoff appearances after an 0-10 season.

If history is to repeat itself for Harrell, then Year 3 for the Knights could be the start of things to come.

“The kids know we’re going to be here for a long time. The relationships we’ve built are starting to show. More kids have come out since spring than in my first two years. The goal now is to become competitive again,” he said.

As for the numbers, barely two dozen players were left in the program for Harrell and his staff in his first season (2020). The 2021 campaign was only slightly better as COVID and the uncertain status of the program shied many away from trying out.

But since the end of the 2021 season, more than 50 joined the offseason workout regimen and the early summer numbers had 41 on the practice fields. Harrell expects to carry 35 to 40 on the roster when they open the season next week in Homer against Banks County.

“Those were great numbers for us and I think there is a lot of interest in the hallways right now about what we’re trying to do," Harrell said. "Now that school has started, that is helps us putting the program in a positive light. The goal is try to continue to boost the numbers for the JV program to start building depth.”

With competitiveness the goal in 2022 for the Knights, and Harrell is switching the offense back to a single-wing offense after a one-year flirtation with a pro-style look in which they were shut out six times.

Junior Grayson Higgins will take over as signal-caller and the trio of junior Demetri Moon, sophomore Edgar Vazquez, and freshman Monte Young give them several talented options in the backfield. They also will have plenty of speed outside with receivers Linus Griffith (junior) and senior Joshua Mascrier.

The big question mark will be up front, where junior Guillermo Rosales is the only returning starter on the offensive line. Senior Andreas Madera should also crack the starting unit but filling the rest of the slots is almost priority No. 1, Harrell said. 

“The line will be the biggest priority for us,” he said. “You have to have depth on the line and that’s where we’re kind of thin right now. But we feel there are some guys we can develop.

“However, we really like our backfield and Grayson has a lot of potential. The change in offense will give us an opportunity to utilize the weapons we have.”

On defense, the Knights also will be looking to just improve and increase their competitiveness.

The key losses were along the defensive front, where the Knights graduated two of their three starters. Senior Mauricio Zaragoza is the only returnee up front.

But they now have a wealth of depth at linebacker, with some speed and talent.

Senior Jesus Ponce and juniors Julian Gomez and Cristian Lemos should anchor a linebacking group that could impress by season’s end. Senior Jud Framer will lead a secondary that also could get better as several key slots are up for grabs.

“Our offense put our defense in some tough spots last year so I think the change in the offense will be a big help,” Harrell said. “I really think our linebackers are ready to show what they can do.”

The new-look schedule still has several traditional rivals like East Hall (Sept. 2) and of course, the Battle of Oakwood with arch-nemesis West Hall (Aug. 26). They open with Banks County (Aug. 19), a team they have not played since 2017 but one they have lost four straight to in recent years and not beaten since 1959.

An interesting showdown will have former Johnson coach Jason Roquemore bringing in his Towns County squad to The Dungeon on Oct. 14.

Harrell said they aren’t looking past their opener against Banks County and stated once again that competitiveness is the early priority.

“This is a pretty challenging schedule overall when you look at some teams like Banks County, East Jackson, East Forsyth, and Towns County that all are expected to be much better,” Harrell said. “West Hall and East Hall are always tough and then some of the DeKalb County teams we play. It’s going to be tough for us.

“But early on I just want to see us being more competitive on both sides of the ball. Last year we were out of some games in the first quarter. That won’t be acceptable this year, not with this group.

“Competitiveness is our main expectation this year; improving our offensive production and making stops on defense in big situations. If we go 0-10 again but are in every game and fighting and improving on offense and on defense, I can live with that.

“But I really don’t see that kind of a season for us this year. I like this group and the way they have worked up to this point. The ultimate measure on how the program is doing will be at the end of the year and player retention. If we get 90 to 95 percent of the guys to come back next year, then we’ll be on our way back.”