West Stanly football players will run out on the field under the leadership of a new coach this year, as James Johnson joins the team.
Johnson comes to the new position as head coach from Richmond Senior High School with 10 years of coaching experience at a school rich with a winning football tradition.
“He impressed us first with his football knowledge and his plan to build a program and game plan based on our strengths here at West,” said West Athletic Director Tina Carter. “He was excited and confident that he could turn our program around, but was realistic in telling us it wouldn’t happen overnight.”
Last year, the Colts lost nearly every game and at the end of the season, Jared Bennett resigned as head coach. The new coach joins the team with a new plan for approaching the coming season on the heels of last season’s number of losses.
“He told us one day at a time,” said Carter. “He wants to start out with fundamentals and grow from there. We have put that season behind us but certainly learned from it. This year’s seniors definitely persevered and took some life lessons from this past football season. Those guys held their heads high and returned each Friday night, ready to battle again. Now that is dedication.”
Johnson chose West for a new start based on the community support and excellent standards of the school.
“There is good community support for the program here and that is very important for the team. The school seemed like a high quality school and a good place to live and raise a family,” says Johnson.
A former football player and defensive coordinator, Carter says Johnson has learned from some of the best coaches in the state.
“He knows schemes. He knows it takes preparation and communication among players, coaches and administrators to have a successful program,” said Carter.
Spring tryouts are fast approaching, and Johnson is looking forward to starting team practices.
We have to build and be positive and take small steps. You set a high standard for them, and they will adapt for it. We have to hold them accountable so they will improve everyday whether it is conditioning, training, or practicing,” said Johnson.
