Johnstown football doubles down on brotherhood after rare misstep
JOHNSTOWN — The Johnstown football team enters 2022 season with an experienced and talented senior class.
The Johnnies, however, found it takes contributions throughout the program last season. They slipped to an uncharacteristic 2-8 against a schedule that included seven playoff teams.
"We have done a lot of bonding this offseason," said senior tailback Nathan Sheets, who also will be a four-year starter at safety. "It's not just the upperclassmen but also the younger guys. Everyone is coming together and hanging out outside of school and football. We have learned to rely on everyone."
The schedule will be difficult again as the Johnnies play nine games against Licking County League foes, and their home opener in Week 2 is a return game against Waverly, which has established itself as a perennial postseason participant.
Sheets’ injury early last season sent versatile classmate Caleb Schneider from fullback to tailback, and Schneider ran with the job, totaling 926 yards and 14 touchdowns. Schneider, who also is a linebacker, kicker and punter, now is set to replace the graduated Joe Sahr at quarterback.
Schneider, Sheets and senior fullback Graham Grinstead will work behind an offensive line that will feature new faces on both sides of senior center Cooper Criner (6 foot, 220 pounds). They will have help from standout senior Garrett Grinstead (6-4, 230) at tight end, who is fielding Division I honors and will be a four-year starter at defensive end.
"Don't take any reps off in practice," said Sheets, of his advice for those battling for playing time. "The coaches are always watching. If you bust your butt in these summer practices, the coaches are going to take note. Week 1 you might be on special teams or a backup, but Week 2 you might be starting."
While a physical runner, Schneider also could add a passing element to the Johnstown offense. Garrett Grinstead will take attention in the middle of the field with senior wingback Spencer Thomson leading a group that will be asked to step up outside, which includes senior Bryce Spangler.
"Focus on your position, be a master at your position," said Thomson, of his message to those with him in the meeting room. "Whenever you are coming in as a freshman, looking at a play, there is a lot of different things going on. Focusing on where you're going makes it a lot easier."
Many of the Johnnies’ offensive starters also will see extensive time on the defensive side of the ball, but getting back into contention in the Licking County League-Cardinal Division will take contributions from a big sophomore class. The Johnnies’ best seasons in the successful two-decade tenure of coach Mike Carter have been with going nearly two-platoon.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association's allowance for teams to use their five heat acclimation days in late July came at a perfect time for Johnstown. Carter still was sorting out most of his lineup following the first scrimmage against Briggs.
"The more you have the time to teach obviously the learning curve is really in our favor," Carter said. "That is definitely a bonus to be able to step back, let them digest and take the time they need and then give them the opportunity to rework it to master the fundamentals we are talking about."
Who eventually emerges in those key spots will be the underclassmen that soak in the knowledge the veterans provide and show they can handle the pressure of varsity football.
"It's good we can be here and help those younger guys get through those bigger games when they are unsure of stuff," Sheets said.
Johnstown suffered through its first losing season since 2001. A difficult schedule, which opens with four consecutive games against 2021 playoff teams, will be a challenging start for the Johnnies hoping to rebound.
The seniors will be remembered for the way they set up the program for future teams.
"We are just pushing these young guys to be great," Thomson said. "We are really just training these young guys to carry on our legacy."
ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com
740-973-4541
Twitter: @newarkurt
At a Glance
Coach: Mike Carter
State Classification: Division IV, Region 15
In 2021: 2-8, 2-3
Key players: Garrett Grinstead, Sr., TE/DL. Caleb Schneider, Sr., QB/LB/K/P. Nathan Sheets, Sr., RB/DB. Spencer Thomson, Sr., WB/LB. Graham Grinstead, Sr., RB/LB. Cooper Criner, Sr., OL/DL. Bryce Spangler, Sr., WR/DB.
What to expect: The Johnnies will rely on experience in the backfield with Caleb Schneider and Nathan Sheets and up front with Garrett Grinstead and Cooper Criner. Prospects from a big sophomore class will be needed to emerge to fill in the gaps.
Game to Watch: Week 6 vs. Northridge — The Vikings knocked off the Johnnies for the first time since 2005 last season. The Johnnies will be hungry to get back on top in the rivalry and start LCL-Cardinal play on the right foot.
Postseason outlook: The Johnnies move back up to Division IV will make a trip to the postseason difficult, but a bounce-back season would put them in the mix. A couple wins against a meat-grinding first half which includes Licking Heights, Granville and Licking Valley would give the Johnnies an opportunity heading into LCL-Cardinal play.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Johnstown football doubles down on brotherhood after rare misstep
