Football preview: South Johnston looks to reload on offense

By Randy Capps

BENSON — Lee Webb’s third season at the helm of his alma mater ended with South Johnston on the wrong end of a narrow 28-21 decision at Currituck County last fall.

That put a bow on a 6-5 record, which included a 25-7 win over West Johnston in the regular season finale in what turned out to be a playoff elimination game.

This time around, the Trojans are aiming higher with a “conference championship and deep playoff run” being listed as Webb’s goals for this year’s squad.

To get there, however, some work must be done.

Between quarterback Riley Adams, running back Aiden Williams and receivers Kalib Brown and Connor Lee, South Johnston graduated 2,048 passing yards, 1,395 rushing yards, 115 receptions, 1,822 receiving yards and 43 total touchdowns.

Junior Holt Langston was Williams’ backup last season, and is the leading returner rusher after tallying 297 yards and two scores last fall.

Noah Boykin and Jamarion Ward figure to provide senior leadership and stability on the offensive line for whichever new skill players emerge.

Kaleb Williams (79 tackles), Mason Weaver (63 tackles) and Ryan Blackmon (46 tackles, 3 INT) are the returning leaders on a defense that might have to carry the load a bit while the new offensive pieces gell.

Reinforcements are also coming from last year’s JV squad, which posted an 8-2 mark.

South Johnston is seeking its first league title since 2009, and the new season gets underway on Aug. 23 on the road against Princeton.