OAKWOOD — The big question that many fans had when Johnson announced it was ready to jump back into region play for the first time since 2011 was "why now?"
Coach Jason Roquemore did not hesitate to respond.
"It's not where you are, it's where you're going," he said. "We've made a lot strides the last couple of years. The numbers coming into the program have increased each year and we want the kids to feel like they have something bigger to play for. It will create some new rivalries. Our kids are ready to embrace that challenge."
The region schedule, featuring Flowery Branch, Clarke Central, and Buford, who all have huge numbers and depth, will be tough. But Roquemore said the key will be the non-region schedule, where four winnable but challenging games await. They open Aug. 19 at Social Circle.
"We don't have an easy game on the schedule but we feel we have games that we can win if we play our brand of football and execute," he said. "In sports confidence is so key and if we can get some wins in that early part of the schedule that would be huge for our kids. Our goal is to fight for a playoff spot. Some early confidence would go a long way."
Expect the Knights to do what they like to do, which is run the ball. Senior fullback Cody Long is ready for a big year and will have senior lineman Cameron McCarthy and senior tight end Chandler Barkley leading the way up front. Sophomore quarterback Sam Corbett has a year of varsity play under his belt and will have a pair of speedy receivers to throw too in senior wide receiver Dillon Berry and newcomer sophomore slotback Kylen Curry.
Defense may be the key, however, as the Knights allowed 24 or more points six times in 2015. But, a talented group of linebackers in seniors Barkley, Long, Fernando Ruiz, and junior Victor Pittman should carry an improved unit. Juniors A.T. Young and Quay Butler will anchor the secondary. However, replacing some holes up front is crucial.
JOHNSON: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Knights
- TEAM COLORS: Blue and White
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Jason Roquemore, fifth season, 12-28
- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2-8
- KEY LOSSES: OL Eli Vasquez, OL Andrew Temple, S Orion Pittman, LB Brandon Berry, S Darian Bunch
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Spread option -- The Knights want to keep the ball on the ground and control the clock.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- Sr. OL Cameron McCarthy, Sr. TE Chandler Barkley, Sr. FB Cody Long, So. slotback Kylen Curry, So. QB Sam Corbett, Sr. WR Dillon Berry
- 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: 5 returning starters -- Sr. LB Chandler Barkley, Sr. LB Cody Long, Sr. Saf Dillon Berry, Jr. LB Victor Pittman, Sr. LB Fernando Ruiz, Jr. CB A.T. Young, Jr. CB Quay Butler
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. PK/P Jose Morales, Jr. KR/PR A.T. Young
- STRENGTH: Linebackers -- The unit could be one of the best in recent years for the Knights anchored by Barkley, Long, Pittman, and Ruiz.
- QUESTION: Defensive line/secondary -- A lack of experience in both positions could make for a learning curve early.
- KEY GAMES: The non-region schedule will be key for the Knights, who need some early success to build confidence. The opener comes against a Social Circle team that went 4-6 last season after three straight winless campaigns. Region 8-AAAAA opener against rival Flowery Branch should be fun. The two south Hall County schools have not met since 2009.
- TRENDING: The Knights are much further along than they were four years ago. The numbers have increased each season under Roquemore and their brand of football has gotten better. Jumping back into region play in a very tough region will be challenging, but some success should help the Knights continue that upward trend as the younger players continue to develop.
2016 SCHEDULE
Aug. 19 at Social Circle
Aug. 26 vs. West Hall
Sept. 2 vs. Banks County
Sept. 9 at East Hall
Sept. 23 at *Flowery Branch
Sept. 30 vs. *Walnut Grove
Oct. 7 at *Buford
Oct. 14 vs. *Clarke Central
Oct. 28 at *Cedar Shoals
Nov. 4 vs. *Loganville
*- Indicates region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/8/425932/2016-football-preview-johnson