Johnson Co. turning to option offense in 2024

MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Longhorns are looking to make it eight-consecutive trips to the playoffs, as the squad prepares for another campaign in Region 1-3A.

Rick Wilson and company finished the 2023 season with a record 6-5, which includes a First Round postseason exit at the hands of Kingston.

For the first time in a few seasons, the Connor Simcox won’t be under center for the Johnson County offense. The four-time All-Conference selection passed for more than 1,700 yards as a senior, tossing 18 touchdown passes before graduating this past spring.

So, in an effort to highlight the talent on this year’s roster, the Longhorns are switching things up.

“We saw Liberty University with their quarterback and what they do with their running back and their skill people,” Wilson said.

The team is planning to keep it on the ground a bit more, running a lot of option reads behind quarterback Jace Stout.

“You look at Jace, he’s an athlete,” Wilson added.

The transition to the new style has been a work in progress, but its success comes with exciting possibilities.

“Just listen to coach, really,” Stout said of learning the new system. “I know what he tells me is right and so I just listen to him and do what he says.”

“A lot of new people came up and they’re going to do great things for us,” senior lineman Noah Brown explained. “We had to learn who to hit and where to go – our assignments for the plays.”

“We can matchup with some of that speed, the read of the option,” Wilson said. “I think we can get after some people. Our line of scrimmage is really improved and that’s why we’re excited about the season.”

Johnson County begins its season at Sullivan East on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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