Trinada Caro, Staff Writer
MANSON – In his fifth year of coaching and an overall record of 20-14, Joey Johanson retains command, assisted by Bill Thompson (11th season), Kellen Wiggum (2nd season), Steve Nygreen (3rd season) and Andy Bloch (1st year).
Returning to the field this season are 10 seniors, four juniors and nine sophomores. Coach Johanson cites Nick Strecker (#5) as hoping to have a big year receiving. Further, the offensive line is anchored by Senior Center, Alex Solorio, who has started the last two seasons. Johanson says, “All four returning juniors have had significant varsity playing time. Hervin Chavez, Gerardo Guerrero, Marvin Valdez & Colton Vivian are a great foursome of defensive players. Quarterback Angel Lopez (#6) returns with one of his favorite targets, Ben Cullison (#10), as well as his trusty running back Cal Beazley (#1). Senior Conner Clausen (#32) will be playing football for the first time. With a large frame and good speed he is sure to have an immediate impact on the team.”
Are your numbers up or down from previous years? Thirty-six total players which is the highest turnout Coach Johanson has had in his 5 years. Last season the Trojans had an overall record of 3-2. Coach Johanson was asked who the toughest teams to beat this year are and says, “The Trojans are always looking forward to their games against Brewster & Lake Roosevelt.”
Who do you see as standouts this year?
“Offensively: Team Captain Nick Strecker (Sr.) WR #5- Speed, speed, speed and high football IQ.
Team Captain Angel Lopez (Soph.) QB #6- Has an amazing arm and can hurt you with his feet as well.
Defensively: Joe Mogan (Sr.) DT #55- Plays in the opponents’ backfield all night. Makes tackles for loss look easy. Team Captain Hugo Lopez (Sr.) LB #50- Very physical linebacker who is having a great positive influence on the younger players” says Coach Johanson.
Any comments you would like to make about this year?
Johanson says, “This is a young team, but does have some talent in the senior class. It will be a learning process, but look for this team to only get better as the season goes along. It’s also a group that just loves playing football.”
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