One Last Flight

Senior makes injury comeback

“Over the years, we really have grown together. Not just me, but he’s helped the whole team grow,” senior Jaden Jackson said about his teammate and friend, senior Nathan Johnson.

Johnson is the starting linebacker and a captain on the varsity football team. This will be his fourth and final year in the football program. Due to a foot injury last year, Johnson missed a total of ten games and watched his team play without him.

“I was heartbroken that I wasn’t going to be able to be out there with my team. It was going to be my first year as a starter and I just started to get more exposure to college coaches too.” Johnson said.

Despite the fact he couldn’t be out on the field with them, that didn’t stop Johnson from supporting the team every step of the way. He attended practices and cheered them on from the sidelines at games.

“Nate is a great teammate. He wants his brothers to do well. When he was injured last year he never lost his focus and cheered on his team,” linebackers coach Brock Payne said.

Because of this injury, Johnson was a predator lurking in the shadows just waiting for the time to pounce. Without missing a beat, he came back stronger than ever for the game against Wagner as if he was never injured. With only playing for a quarter, Johnson still managed to get five tackles in, and it was as if nothing could come between him and his love for football.

“Getting cleared to play was one of the most exciting moments, to be back with my team meant everything to me. All I could think about was getting back on that field,” Johnson said.

To the team, Johnson is a leader who pushes others to work harder. Even though he is a defensive player, he can be very encouraging to the players on offense. He is a “leader by example” and communicates well with others.

“We don’t do the same thing, but we’re on the field together and we have to work together as a team.” senior Elijah Gonzales said.

With the fact that Johnson missed most of his junior season, there’s a looming threat of losing his senior season due to COVID-19. If the numbers continue to rise, UIL will have to cancel the season altogether or push it back. His senior season is extremely important since he wasn’t able to show off what he’s capable of last year.

“It would be sad because I was really looking forward to this year since I didn’t get the opportunity to play last year,” Johnson said.

This year is the first year being in the 6A district and playing Northside ISD schools. Finally moving on from schools, such as Del Rio and Southwest Legacy to Taft or Brennan.

“I’m really excited to be able to play these bigger schools in 6A. Plus, actually knowing the kids on the teams adds some competition to it.” Johnson said.

The first game of the season will be on Oct. 3rd against Brandeis High School, who went 13-1 last season, 7:00 PM at Farris Stadium. Even though this will be a tough opponent, Johnson is more than confident that the Hawks will come out with a win.

“Everyone expects them to be the better team, but we’re going to go out there and prove them wrong. I think it’s going to be a great game, we’re more than ready.” Johnson said.

Even though Johnson has been here since his freshman year, he’s prepared to move on from high school and take the next step. Leaving behind memories with friends, teammates and coaches, but having the opportunity to further his football career. Not only will Johnson say goodbye, but the coaches will also have to say goodbye to the boys they’ve looked over.

“It’s impressive to see how much bigger, stronger and mature these young men have grown over the last four years. We coaches truly love each of them. They will be missed,” Payne said.