Players pleased to see Johnson back on campus

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 29, 2014 11:24 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Joe Baker had his suspicions.

Justin Nauceder had no clue.

Neither player could hide their excitement when Bennett Johnson walked into the Goldsboro High auditorium and was introduced as the new varsity head football coach Friday morning.

The 70-plus returning and prospective players greeted Johnson with cheers and loud applause that echoed through the rafters.

"I had an idea because I had talked to him a little bit when they were doing the interviewing process," said Baker, who ranked among the area's top receivers in 2013.

"I talked to (Principal) Mr. (Brian) Weeks, but he wouldn't tell me anything ... had me guessing the whole time. When I walked in and saw him, it was a real good moment."

Johnson's arrival erased three months of concerns by the players, who constantly quizzed Weeks, athletics director Ray Lippert and Wayne School of Engineering principal Gary Hales about who had applied for the job. Each administrator remained tight-lipped.

So Baker, Nauceder and the rest of the team sought solace in the program's lone mainstay -- defensive coordinator Mike Harper. Harper, like his co-workers, assured the players that the right person would get hired to take over the tradition-rich program.

"I'm excited to hear that Coach Harp is coming back because when he runs the defense, he runs the defense," said the 6-foot-1 Nauceder, who along with his fellow lineman, paved the way for a Goldsboro offense that compiled nearly 3,200 yards last season.

"Coach Johnson is a good offensive coach, sounds serious about us doing some work. If he follows through on his promises and we follow through on ours, the season should be great."

Goldsboro posted a 4-7 campaign in 2013 and failed to reach the postseason for the first time since 2006. Head coach Eric Reid announced his resignation in mid-December, which surprised the players.

A 1980 GHS alum, Reid decided to follow his own advice and further his education.

"Coach Reid, that whole situation came out of left field when he told us and I wish him the best," Baker said. "Not knowing who our coach was going to be made it hard to get the work in. Coach Harp stayed no matter what with us in the weight room.

"He kept me focused along with Coach Lippert."