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... - Football - Fall 2009 Preview - Modesto Metro Conference

Friday, Aug. 28, 2009

Johansen Vkings Outlook

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Coach: Jason McCoy

Career record: 8-4

Record at school: 8-4

Last season: Johansen (5-0, 8-4) started 1-3, but won its next seven — scoring at least 33 in every game — before losing in quarterfinals.

Last league title: 2008

Last playoff berth: 2008

Top returners: WR Michael Brown (jr., 6-3, 155), OL/DL Michael Smith (jr., 6-1, 220), WR Cameron Clay (jr., 6-4, 210), ILB Joseph Guerrero (5-10, 205), RB Marcus Fisher (5-5, 145).

Top newcomers: QB Armando Hernandez (jr., 6-2, 175), RB/LB Gabriel Cazavos (jr., 5-10, 180), OL/DL Rusty Smith (jr., 6-1, 230), OL/DL Jake Hutchings (5-11, 250), OL/DL Eddie Biedebach (jr., 6-3, 225).

Outlook: The Vikings are going to be hard-pressed to duplicate last season’s run to the section Division I quarterfinals, having lost 99 percent of their offense. Hernandez is up from the JV to play QB, and he’s expected to direct a balanced attack — a contrast to the power-running game a year ago. Brown and Clay are probably the district’s tallest receiving tandem, and both were varsity as sophomores. Fisher and Cazavos will split carries with two or three other backs. Michael Smith, the only starter back on the offensive line, will play alongside hefty linemen from the JV.

Worth noting: Michael Smith started eight games at guard as a sophomore. Quite a feat, since Johansen had the top line in the area. ... Rusty Smith has nice genes: His brother, offensive tackle Rodney Smith, was the MMC’s Offensive Player of the Year last season. ... Hernandez moves well and is a threat to run if the pocket collapses. He averaged about 20 passes a game the second half of last year.

Key game: Week 4 at Central Catholic. Revenge Bowl, as Johansen tries to make up for last year’s 35-0 loss and set up another MMC title run.

*-Seniors unless noted