North Chicago’s 2014 football season started going sideways eight days before the opening kickoff of Game 1.
During the Warhawks’ intrasquad scrimmage a week and a day before the season opener, Xzavier Johnson severely injured his ankle on a running play and was lost for the season. The middle linebacker/running back was the team’s top player.
From there, the season spiraled into a 0-9 finish, meaning second-year coach Johnny Johnson is still looking for his first victory.
Perhaps it will come this Saturday when the Warhawks open against traditional rival Waukegan.
Certainly the players are upbeat as they prepare to earn community bragging rights for the next 12 months.
“This summer has been intense,” senior quarterback Damond Washington said. “We have been working really hard in the weight room and out on the field.
“This hard work is going to pay off for us this season.”
Damond Washington and running back Isaiah Washington (no relation) are the key players in the Warhawk offense.
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“We just need to click together this season to be successful,” the quarterback said. “I think we can be a strong duo and make some big plays.”
Besides playing quarterback, Damond Washington also will play defensive back.
“We have conditioned all summer to be able to play both ways,” he said. “I think we will be ready once the season starts.”
The QB also likes working with the younger players, helping get them ready for this and future seasons. There will be probably a dozen or so sophomores on the varsity team this year, and some will be important contributors.
“It’s good to be around the younger guys,” he said. “We help mentor them and show them how to work hard.”
For Johnson, this is a year in which he hopes to continue to build the program. Last year was a first step, even at 0-9.
This year, better results should be forthcoming.
“I like how the kids worked this year,” Johnson said. “We have 14 seniors and they have been working hard all summer long.
“Our goal is to get that first win. We just need to take it one game at a time and keep looking forward. The kids worked a little harder this year, and I am looking forward to that paying off.”
In the team’s intrasquad scrimmage last week, the highlight-reel plays were made by senior Undra Smith. He caught a couple of passes and then had a 35-yard TD run.
“I am excited to be playing with this group of guys,” he said. “I think we have potential to make a lot of plays.”
The sophomore head-turner is Josiah Bouie, a 5-foot-9, 142-pound dynamo.
“With Josiah and myself, we have the ability to make catches and big plays,” Smith said. “I have a good connection with Damond and we believe in our offense.”
Isaiah Washington (5-6, 185) has set lofty goals for himself as a two-way player at running back and defensive lineman.
“I had six TDs last season and I want to get to 10-15 this year,” he said. “Defensively, my goal is to get in the backfield and blow up the plays. I want to get to the quarterback and make an impact.”
Phillyp Bonato is a freelance writer for the News-Sun.
NORTH CHICAGO
Last season: 0-9 (0-6 North Suburban Prairie).
Coach: Johnny Johnson, 0-9, second year.
Players to watch: Damond Washington, senior, quarterback/defensive back; Isaiah Washington, senior running back/defensive lineman; Undra Smith, senior, cornerback/slotback, Josiah Bouie, sophomore, slotback/cornerback.
Schedule: (x-denotes North Suburban Prairie games); Aug. 29, at Waukegan, 1:30 p.m.; Sept. 5, Robeson, 1; Sept. 11, at Mundelein, 7:30; Sept. 18, x-Vernon Hills, 7:30; Sept. 26, x-at Grant, 7:30; Oct. 2, x-at Antioch, 7:30; Oct. 10, x-at Round Lake, 1; Oct. 17, x-Lakes, 1:30; Oct. 23, x-Wauconda, 7:30.