The group he began leading in July, considered a late start date by coaching standards, is his first, and that’s okay by him.
“I like what we have,” he says. “I like the fact they work hard. I like the fact that because of the (late coaching hire at Hopewell), we’ll be the underdog. I think that fits this group very well.”
The Titans open the season Friday at home against Providence (kickoff at 7 p.m.) and are hoping an up-tempo offense, depth at key positions and the play of Denzel Heath, one of the area’s best players (see story, Page 4), will help them match last year’s 8-5 campaign and advance past the second round of the state playoffs for the first time in school history.
The former offensive coordinator at Berry Academy, Johnson brought a spread offense with him to Hopewell, and says the team has adjusted to it quickly.
“It’s something that if you’re an offensive player, it’s fun to play in,” says Johnson.
And it can drive defenses crazy.
Hopewell will call on senior Chandler Chase and junior Tijuan Sifford to run the show at quarterback. Chase was the varsity backup last year, while Sifford started on the junior varsity team. The two have competed throughout the preseason, with each, at times, having the advantage. Johnson says both will play.
“They have unique skill sets,” says Johnson.
A running back, Heath will be the primary offensive weapon and get the ball in a variety of ways. But the Titans are also excited about a talented receiver corps led by athletic sophomore Darius Smalls, who is 6-foot-5.
However, the passing game will have to prove itself on game night. Chase threw just 21 passes last year, and Heath is the top returning pass-catcher with three for 21 yards.
Up front, senior center Juwan McKenzie and senior left guard Tyshaun Cochran anchor a deep group. Johnson says there are 13 linemen who can contribute.
Senior Tevin Stevenson leads the defensive front, after an all-conference season last year.
“Tevin’s got a motor, works really hard,” says Johnson.
Fellow defensive tackle Anthony Orr, a senior, is also a handful up front in the 4-3 base set, while senior Heath is the only other returning all-conference selection, and the best linebacker in a deep group. Safety Dylan Moses, a senior, and senior cornerback Cam Underwood are the top returners in the secondary.
