Getting to Know You: Johnston Dragons
The Johnston Dragons would like nothing more than to bring home a state title as part of the Johnston School District’s centennial anniversary. But to do that, they’ll have to fend off the likes of Dowling Catholic, Sioux City East, and everyone else in Class 4A District 2. Coach Brian Woodley has challenged his squad to “leave no doubt” as 15 returning starters will take the field.
QB Reid Sinnett will lead the offense, with RB Grant Collison in the backfield, with four returning offensive linemen. Senior Andrew Huess (42 rec./840 yards/10 TD) and Jared Seay will be at WR, and Regen Sims will play at TE/HB. The defensive side will be led by Hezekiah Applegate at DE, LB Karl Rasmussen, and K/P Tommy Zinselmeier.
Johnston Stats
2013 Record: 5-5 overall, 4-1 division
2014 Class, District: Class 4A, District 2
Coach: Brian Woodley, 13th year (17th overall), 91-67 overall
Returning Starters – Offense
Reid Sinnett, QB
Andrew Huess, WR
Jared Seay, WR
Logan Beguhn, OL
Dane Beery, OL
Alex Beltrame, OL
Tom Dusen, OL
Regen Siems, TE/HB
Grant Collison, RB
Returning Starters – Defense
Hezekiah Applegate, DE
Tony Tiggess, DL
Boris Petrusic, DL
Karl Rasmussen, LB
Nolan Wengert, DB
Jon May, DB
Jack Bergstrom, DB
Tommy Zinselmeier, P/K
Returning Letterwinners: 15
Coaching Staff: Brent Ksiazek (DL, Spec. Teams), Brian Lutter (OL), Rod Wiebers (Def. Coord.), Tony Kruse (Off. Coord, RB/QB), Zac Christensen (DB), Mike McCune (Soph. Vol. Off. Coach), Derek Flack (Soph HC), Brian Benson (WR), Matt Lakis, Zach Guyer
Offensive scheme: Pistol offense, with no huddle
Defensive scheme: 4-3
Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: Johnston will sport new jerseys and logos as part of the school district’s centennial anniversary. Coach Woodley is concern with inexperience at the LB positions and replacing two-year starter Jordan Weddington, who moved away over winter break. Weddington rushed for over 1,000 yards for the Dragons. Reid Sinnett shared QB duties with Mike Mahanna last season, but will be the starter, with depth behind him with juniors Jared Bacon and Logan Blackman, and senior Alex Ginsberg. Woodley’s father, Mike, is currently the head coach at Grand View University, which won the 2013 NAIA national championship.
2014 Schedule (District games in bold)
Aug. 29 Southeast Polk
Sept. 5 Ankeny
Sept. 12 @ Urbandale
Sept. 19 @ Waukee
Sept. 26 Des Moines North
Oct. 3 @ Des Moines Roosevelt
Oct. 10 Dowling Catholic
Oct. 17 @ Council Bluffs Lewis Central
Oct. 24 Sioux City East
