 "Photo:")
On a team led by a high-octane offense, a stalky, shaggy-haired former soccer player solidifies the middle of the MEC's best defense.
Maryville junior linebacker Evan Johnson leads the Spoofhounds with 72.5 tackles in his first season playing football since middle school. He also has a team-leading 5.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for losses, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception.
The interception helped solidify an early season win over Benton with the score 14-0 and Benton attempting to get back in the game.
After his eighth grade season, Johnson called Maryville head soccer coach Stuart Collins and left the gridiron for the pitch.
On their first meeting, Maryville soccer coach Stuart Collins met someone he wasn't quite expecting.
"I had no idea who he was," Collins said. "When he showed up I was surprised. I wasn't looking for a freshman that looked like he could be a college junior."
Maryville head football coach Chris Holt, who also coaches Johnson in track, tried to persuade Johnson back into a helmet and shoulder pads during his freshman and sophomore years, but was unsuccessful.
Johnson played as a defender for the 'Hound soccer team for two years, starting on the varsity team as a sophomore. When the first day of practice came around this year, Collins realized he was missing his lone returning defender.
"He just didn't show up," Collins said. " I asked some of the boys and they said he was playing football this year."
Johnson had returned to the football field where he would try to fill a hole left by departed seniors in the linebacking corp.
"(Holt) pressured me; especially when we were doing track and all the way when we were in P.E. class," Johnson said. "I guess I finally just gave in to the pressure."
Losing two starting linebackers from a year ago, the 'Hounds had a weak spot at that position, but with Johnson's emergence, the defense has become a staple for Maryville this season.
"I think if anything he's solidified us in the middle," Holt said. "We weren't sure going into the season who was going to be on the inside. We put him in there in camp and never looked back."
Johnson is now a vital role on a defense that has held opponents to an MEC low 11.5 points per game, and not given up a single point in the third quarter through 13 games.
Johnson has also earned the respect of his teammates.
"He's really done a great job," senior quarterback and fellow linebacker Joe Jasinski said. "He just does everything that we ask of him. He's improving every game and really becoming a great player."
Now with the 'Hounds preparing to travel to Fair Grove for a semi-final match-up and a legitimate shot at a state championship, Johnson is glad he returned to football.
"It's definitely fun, going out there on game nights and being together with the team," Johnson said. "I'm really glad I (came back). It was a really good decision."
Be the first to comment on this article!