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South Johnston looks to leadership, team spirit in 2023
from August 2023
by Johnston Now
By RANDY CAPPS
BENSON — Lee Webb got his start in coaching as South Johnston’s defensive coordinator, so now that he’s about to start his third season as the Trojans’ head coach, he’s naturally excited about the prospect of having nine returning starters on that side of the ball.
“These guys are just so competitive amongst each other,” he said. “They are hard on each other about doing the workout or practicing the right way. They really have come together as a family that plays for each other. That is what us coaches are most excited about.”
South finished at 5-6 overall in 2022, reaching the postseason before bowing out to Fayetteville Seventy First — and Webb is hoping that this team can achieve even more.
“I think our strength is our togetherness,” he said. “As competitive as they are amongst each other during practice or workouts, as soon as it is over they are joking and going to hang out with one another once we are done.”
With that sort of experience on hand, the defense should be a strength for the Trojans. Junior linebacker Kaleb Williams (83 tackles, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries) senior end Jaekob Robinson (46 tackles, nine TFL, 5 sacks); defensive back Ryan Blackmon (42 tackles, four INT) and linebacker Ty Strickland (26 tackles) will be counted on to provide leadership for the unit.
“(Williams) is our most competitive,” Webb said. “If he beats you, he will let you know about it. (Robinson) is loud. He is very loud in anything he does, but he also has the biggest heart. He says he loves his teammates at least 10 times a day and that's just what I hear.
(Blackmon,) we call him Mighty Mouse. He’s small in stature, but he plays like he is the biggest on the field. (And Strickland) is like the bionic man. As much as this guy has been through in his playing career from middle school to high school — many guys would have quit. He was out for four months and, since coming back in March, he has been a machine. He has lived in the gym ever since and gained 15 pounds of muscle.”
The offense will be bolstered by senior quarterback Riley Adams, who threw for more than 1,700 yards and 13 scores last fall. The team’s leading rusher, Aiden Williams (1,317 yards, 11 TD) and two leading receivers — Kalib Brown (47 rec., 739 yards, 7 TD) and Conner Lee (25 rec., 315 yards, 3 TD) are also back for the Trojans.
With senior Tyler Beasley anchoring the offensive line, South Johnston will be looking to take a step forward in the competitive Quad County 3A conference this fall.
