Johnson takes Cougars to his alma mater -- Beddingfield

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 21, 2015 1:48 PM

• Print
• Email

rcoggins@newsargus.com

It's been 10 years.

But it seems just like yesterday to Bennett Johnson when he barked out the signals, took the snap and threaded the needle between two defenders to an open receiver.

Of course, there were times when Johnson tucked in the pigskin, lowered his helmet and fought for that extra yard on the ground.

Johnson gets to revisit those memorable high school days and reunite with old friends when he takes his Goldsboro High football team to his alma mater -- Beddingfield -- tonight.

Kickoff is 7 p.m.

In other season-opening games: Rosewood is the guest of Charles B. Aycock, Eastern Wayne travels to North Lenoir, Southern Wayne invades James Kenan, North Duplin is on the road against Chocowinity Southside and Spring Creek launches its 2015 campaign at South Lenoir.

Goldsboro looks to snap a six-game in season-opening games.

"That Beddingfield game is a big one," Johnson said. "Every coach feels that way, wants to get that first one because the first 'W' is the hardest one to get. If we can get that, I think it will do a lot for our kids' psyche."

The Cougars will defend against a spread offense that Johnson helped develop and refine during his prep career. During his senior year, the then-170-pound signal caller guided the Bruins to a program-best 12 wins and third-round appearance in the postseason.

Johnson ended his career with 6,794 yards passing and 77 touchdowns. He earned Associated Press All-State accolades.

Beddingfield returns nine offensive starters, including four linemen and its top two receivers -- seniors Miguel Brown (6-foot-5, 180 pounds) and Demonte Cherry (6-0, 205) -- from a year ago. The two combined for nearly 1,200 yards and 10 TDs on just 52 catches.

Each earned all-Eastern Plains 2-A Conference honors.

Eight starters return on defense, but several will play on the offensive side. Senior Keishon Lindsey (5-10, 200) recorded 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage, collected seven quarterback sacks and recovered two fumbles.

"(Our) preparation started back in February," Johnson said of the Bruins. "Playing against an offense you started is going to be fun. (We'll) try not to overthink it, try not to predict what they're going to do ... just what you see. You're not going to have all of the answers going into the first game.

"We're just going to show up and play well."

Goldsboro is led by an all-Eastern Carolina 2-A Conference linebacker, a preseason all-state lineman, two skilled offensive players and two quality defenders.

Senior Sterling Dodson posted 150 tackles for the Cougars last season as a lineman/LB. Kori Reid, named to the NCPreps.com 2-A all-state squad, had 80 stops on defense.

Rayquan Griffin had 70 tackles and returned two of four interceptions for touchdowns from his defensive back slot. Joshua Wootson contributed 80 and three quarterback sacks.

Senior quarterback Na'Shir Bowden ranked among the county leaders with 1,671 yards passing on and 17 touchdowns a year ago.

"We'll be excited to play somebody in a different-colored jersey," Johnson said.