Flashes hitting the summer hard in prep for 2024 season

Johnsonville – Having won back-to-back Class A Lower State championships, but coming up short in the state finals, the 2024 Johnsonville High football team is already hard at work to ensure a different result this fall.

Coach Ken Cribb does not place a lot of emphasis on spring practices in May, not like he used to. With a year-round football class period, the Flashes get plenty of work and have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals.

“We only did three days really this spring,” Cribb said. “We had a lot of guys in track and baseball. We’re fortunate to have most of them in football class so we find ways to get it done. Mostly what we do is try to find guys for the right spots so we can develop them during the summer.”

Cribb has to replace eight seniors from last year’s team and several of those seniors were multi-year performers on the varsity level. Arguably the biggest loss is at quarterback where Malik Shippy was a four-year starter and produced more than 2,000 yards last season.

Looking to step into the role is sophomore Larkin Powell, who was Shippy’s understudy as a freshman. Cribb feels Powell will grow into an effective player.

“The biggest thing is for Larkin to be Larkin, don’t try to be Malik,” the coach said. “Larkin is going to be a good player. We have confidence in his abilities. He just needs some game experience. He will figure it out.”

Powell will have the advantage of an experienced unit along the front. Senior Bubba Tapia will be a third-year starter at left tackle. Juniors Jason Brigham and Brayden Baxley are returning starters and sophomore Daniel Ortiz gained experience as a freshman. Tight end Dylan Smith and guard Chase McDaniel also have starting experience.

“That will be our strength, we hope,” Cribb said.

Sophomore Zaghe Davis is expected to recover from a knee injury sustained last season and will be the top running back. He was the second-leading rusher as a freshman, gaining nearly 700 yards.

The defense will return several key player. Senior linebacker Landyn Cribb finished last season with 118 tackles, including 19 tackles for loss.

Returning at strong safety is Taysawn Brown, who tallied 110 tackles with 29 tackles for loss.

 Junior linebacker Bricen Howell posted 88 tackles (10 for loss) as a sophomore, while rising junior free safety Clovell Woodbury had 82 total tackles last season. Senior corners CJ Woodbury and Quantrell Woodbury also were starters as a juniors.

Senior Jaiden McFadden will be a key returner along the defensive line.

“We have some experience back on defense but we need them to work hard this summer and improve,” Cribb said. “The summer is all about getting stronger and improving.”