Don’t fear the Reaper? Well, Plano’s Waleed Johnson has been putting fear into opponents.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound senior running back is off to a frightening start, having rushed for 464 yards in wins over Ottawa and Manteno. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
“If I can come out and do that every week and perform at a high level, I know my team will trust me and opponents will have to do their research,” Johnson said. “It’s been nothing short of amazing.
“It’s exactly what you need to progress through the season.”
It’s gone exceedingly well so far for the Reapers (2-0) — a 33-20 win over Ottawa and a 29-0 shutout of Manteno going into Friday’s conference showdown with Sandwich (2-0).
No matter the skill level, it’s also difficult to predict a start to the season like that from Johnson. Plano coach Rick Ponx had an inkling, however, and he’s seen it come to fruition.
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“I knew he had the ability to do it,” Ponx said. “He’s worked extremely hard to take a pounding because he’s not a big kid. When he got downstate in the triple jump, I knew we had a special kid. If our line could give us some holes, I knew he’d have a big season.”
Ponx casts no aspersions on the Reapers’ first two opponents, but what Johnson has been able to accomplish thus far is nothing short of remarkable.
“If he can do it against Sandwich, I feel confident he can do it all year,” Ponx said. “He’s been disciplined and takes coaching well. It’s not like Ottawa is a bad team. They’re a Class 6A team and they’ve faced him before, and they couldn’t stop him. Manteno had the film.
“We gave him 18 carries, and he had over 200 yards.”
At the same time, Plano has expanded its offense with senior quarterback Armando Martinez.
Johnson spent the offseason working closely with Martinez to help diversify the Reapers’ repertoire. As a result, Johnson had 70 yards receiving against Ottawa.
“It’s very big for us because we have to be able to get the ball out and be able to run,” Johnson said. “Versatility. If we keep switching it up, how can you stop us?”
Ponx is excited about the possibilities as his team plans to introduce more wrinkles as the season moves along.
“I can move him around offensively,” Ponx said of Johnson. “We can move him anywhere we want. That makes it fun because he’s a smart player.
“He understands motion and what routes to run. He’s been out, in the slot, in the wing, backfield. He can do it all.”
As he has matured, though, Johnson isn’t concerned about personal accolades. He’s noticed the extra attention, but that’s not his main motivation.
“I appreciate it, but I still have to make plays,” Johnson said. “Even if I’m not making plays, I’m setting up my teammates. If my team wins, then I’m satisfied.”
Now, Johnson and the Reapers face their biggest test of the young season against Sandwich. One of the longest-running rivalries in the state will be renewed Friday after a four-year hiatus.
The pandemic and Sandwich not fielding a varsity team last season hit the pause button on the rivalry, which dates back to 1897.
“I think it’s going to be a great game,” Ponx said. “We’re very evenly matched. We respect the heck out of them. I’m very impressed with their defense.
“Waleed is going to have his biggest challenge so far. This is the true test.”
Johnson, meanwhile, is ready for that challenge. And he can feel the support from the school and the community.
“The people are proud of us,” Johnson said. “They want to see us do great things. You can tell the energy is just high. There are better vibes when the football team is doing great.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.