SOUTH BEND — Although it's Jay Johnson’s ninth season overall coaching the South Bend Washington football program, it's just his second with the current group of players.
After a four-year hiatus , Johnson returned to lead the Panthers in 2023. They went 3-8, including a sectional quarterfinal win over Plymouth. As the veteran coach works to build up the Washington program, he hopes year two of his return goes smoother than year one.
“They’re more accustomed to me and the staff, how we coach, what we want and what the expectations are,” Johnson said. “It definitely makes it a little easier not being the first year back, not really knowing what to expect.”
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Stability at quarterback for Washington
While several South Bend area teams figure out who their starting quarterback will be in week one, Washington has its figured out in senior Gabe Weber . As a junior, Weber passed for 883 yards and nine touchdowns, including three in the playoff victory over Plymouth. That year of experience under his belt has made getting ready for this season much easier.
“I feel way more comfortable this year,” Weber said. “Last year was my first year playing football in high school, and I really had no idea what I was doing. This year, it’s completely different. I know what’s happening on every play, I know how to read a defense. The coaches have helped me a lot. I’m just way more comfortable and excited for this year.”
Weber has some familiar targets back around him, including junior wide receiver Jaydon Lineberry, who led the team with 19 catches, 357 yards and five touchdowns a season ago. A couple of basketball players who are trying football this fall, seniors Lavier Smith and Dejuan Jones, could also factor into the passing game for the Panthers.
Seniors Tyrin Reed and Keltin Verse are two of the top running backs returning, as well as three offensive linemen who started last year. Johnson also expects production from the tight end spot this season, which should help keep defenses honest.
“I think, offensively, we should be more efficient than last year,” Johnson said. “We want to get back to the point where we can throw the ball around and run the ball pretty well.”
Suring up the defense
A pair of players who put up strong stats last year return to lead the Washington defense in senior Jaylen Johnson and junior Bryce Verse. Each had 132 tackles in 2023, with Johnson adding six sacks and Verse three.
“I want a winning record,” said Jaylen Johnson of his goals for the upcoming season. “Five-and-five is the minimum for what we must get, and we go from there. We know who we’ve got and who’s on our list.”
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Other players Jay Johnson mentioned who could make impacts on defense this fall are junior Jalil Neely, Keltin Verse and senior Donald Lee.
“These are all guys that started and got tons of snaps for us last year,” Jay Johnson said. “So, to be able to have them back, coming off some good weight room work, a good summer and now heading into the fall – we’ve got some nice pieces. We just have to stay healthy, just like everybody else.”
South Bend Washington High School 2024 football schedule
All times Eastern
Aug. 23: vs. HAMMOND CENTRAL, 8
Saturday Aug. 31: vs. New Albany @ Sheridan High School, 5:30
Sept. 6: @ Elkhart, 7 (NIC)
Sept. 13: @ Penn, 7 (NIC)
Sept. 20: vs. SB RILEY, 7 (NIC)
Sept. 27: @ Mishawaka Marian, 7 (NIC)
Oct. 4: vs. SB ADAMS, 7 (NIC)
Oct. 11: @ SB Saint Joseph, 7 (NIC)
Oct. 18: vs. NEW PRAIRIE, 7:30 (NIC)
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Preview: Comfort level up for South Bend Washington football in year two under Jay Johnson
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