GAINESVILLE - If the Johnson High Knights pick up in 2007 where they left off in 2006, head coach Paul Friel thinks they should be in good shape. And that could spell trouble for the rest of region 7-AAA.
"We finished up strong and felt pretty good about things," said Friel, whose team finished 3-6-1. "The kids really started really believing in what we're doing and understanding that it does work when you execute."
Down the stretch, the Knights won three out of their last five games, including a stunning 33-31 upset of Gainesville.
"We had some key breaks that helped us out and they (Gainesville) are a very good team," Friel said. "But just like anybody else, if you go out there and execute and you've got two good teams, it just takes a break or two here and there to put you through."
Consequently, the Knights only missed the playoffs by virtue of a loss to Pickens, despite having a sub .500 record overall.
But Johnson is back strong this season with increased numbers (56) and a slate that features six home games.
"We feel good about our numbers whereas this time last year we were in the upper 40's," said Friel. "We had 70-plus in the spring, but it watered back down to the real committed ones."
Attrition includes 12 graduated seniors, six of which were starters. Friel says there is still a lot of experience returning.
"We've got the whole offensive line back," said Friel. "They were just sophomores last year. They're coming along really well."
The backfield, meanwhile, shows lots of promise. Friel says senior quarterback Bobby Wirsing has been effectively engineering the Knights' multiple "I" offense.
"Bobby was very capable last year and I think he's going to show that this year. He's had a great off season, a great spring and is looking great in the fall."
Wirsing will share the workload with a stable of capable backs, where senior starters Omar Madrigal and Seth Evens return. Talented freshman Mantavius Rucker also joins the fold.
"He's a natural runner, a big kid," Friel says, of Rucker (6'1"/175). "He's got a lot of good tools. He's a lean kid with great vision. We don't want to put to much on him right away, but he's been responding well so far."
The receiving corps includes seniors Thomas Johnson, and Brandon Head, along with sophomore Trey Dudley.
"They are getting a good rotation there and they are all looking sharp," said Friel. "We had to replace our tight end, but Fletcher Whiting (So.) is doing a great job."
Senior linebacker Micah Mills, a 3-year starter, spearheads the Knights' 4-3 defense.
Friel also expects big things defensively from Christian Dugue (Jr.), Diego Amador (Sr.), Josh Owens (Jr.), Mick Shannon (Jr.), Gilberto Espinoza (So.) and Anthony Williams (Sr.), a defensive back who was granted a hardship transfer from Gainesville High.
On special teams, Wirsing will likely handle the kicking responsibilities with Mills handling the punting chores. Rucker and Evans serve as primary return men.
Friel says it's hard to predict how the region will play out until the season gets underway.
"North Hall, Flowery Branch and Gainesville are always going to be real good," said Friel. "And there's a lot of other teams in West Hall, East Hall and Chestatee that you just don't know about. And the teams like Jefferson that are out of region, we have to look out for. At this point, we're just really trying to get our team as good as we can possibly be and we'll all get a feel for who's on top as the games progress."
2007 Knights Schedule
Aug. 31-vs. Jefferson
Sept. 7-@ East Hall
Sept. 14-vs. North Hall
Sept. 21-@ Chestatee
Sept. 28-vs. White Co.
Oct. 5-@ Lumpkin Co.
Oct. 12-OPEN
Oct. 19-vs. West Hall
Oct. 26-vs. Gainesville
Nov. 2-@ Flowery Branch
Nov. 9-vs. Pickens
http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/8/86682