Johansen Vikings Outlook

Coach: Jason McCoy

Career record: 14-18

Record at school: 14-18

Last year: Johansen (2-8) started the season with two tough losses – 26-20 in OT to McNair and 35-34 in the final seconds to Sonora – and never recovered. Despite a potent offense, the Vikings scored 12 points during a four-week span late in the season.

Last league title: 2008

Last playoff berth: 2008

Coaching staff: Marcus Whitten, Bill Flesher, Renaldo Rucker, Juan DeCarona, Ralph Juarez, Stuart Green.

Top returners: RB/DB Codie Corbin (5-9, 155, Jr.), RB/DB Joseph Lopez-Gordon 5-8, 150, Jr.), RB/LB Johnny Uperesa, TE/LB Marcus Robinson (6-2, 245, Jr.), WR/DB Zahcary Henry (6-2, 195, Jr.), OL/DL Bryce Duden (6-0, 300), RB/DL Urslo Smith (5-10, 220), WR/DB Chris McCloud (6-2, 180), OL/DL Peter Hernandez (5-11, 200).

Top newcomers: QB/DB Isaiah Brooks (6-1, 185, Jr.), TE/LB Erik Hernandez (6-1, 210, Jr.), OL/DL Michael Daugherty (6-1, 315, Jr.), OL/DL Csarlos DeVarona (5-10, 210, Jr.), OL/DL Justin Gonzalez (5-10, 300, Jr.).

Outlook: The priority is to strengthen a defense that allowed 29 points a game and typically faltered in the second half. After trying to be a passing team the last two years, Johansen should be more comfortable returning to its roots with a running game. There are four potential runners, including Uperesa (450 yards, 7.4-yard avg., 2 TDs), but the Vikings need to select the best two and stick with them. Duden and Peter Hernandez provide the only experience on the OL, so those backs might have to make some of their own holes until the Vikings’ line comes together. TE Robinson needs to be an offensive threat on mid-range passes, because his combination of size and quickness could be devastating against smaller secondaries. Brooks is expected to take over for Armando Hernandez (2,400 yards, 27 TDs) last two years, and he comes up from the JV with a couple of hefty linemen.

Key game: Johansen opens tonight against McNair and Dalemaria Williams, one of the section’s most dynamic backs (1,482 yards, 21 TDs as a junior), so we’ll know right away whether the Vikings’ defense can handle speed.

Information provided by coaches