First-year coach looking to return pride to Sto-Rox football

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, August 17, 2018 | 10:30 PM

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La’Roi Johnson knows the potential of the Sto-Rox football program.

As Imani Christian’s offensive coordinator last season, the Saints faced the Vikings in the opening round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs. As Johnson was breaking down the Sto-Rox film, he noticed something.

“Their record did not equate to their team,” the first-year coach said. “I felt with the right coach, they had the kids to go in the right direction.

“I know the pride and tradition the program has.”

Johnson comes to Sto-Rox after a pair of successful offensive coordinator stints in recent seasons. The former arena league player coached four years at University Prep in the City League, racking up yards, points and wins. Last season, he led an Imani Christian offense that averaged 40 points per game, the fifth highest average in the WPIAL.

Johnson wants to find similar results with the Vikings.

“We are going to play fast,” Johnson said. “If we play fast, we are going to use our best attribute. If we allow someone to play slow, we could have a problem. We are going to be a fast, downhill team.”

Eric Wilson will man the quarterback position. The junior threw for 970 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Wilson holds an offer from Howard.

“He has a belief in himself that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the state,” Johnson said. “And there is nothing wrong with a little confidence. He leads by example. I can’t say how proud I am in how he has matured since I have known him.”

The offense will also get a boost by Amahd Pack, a player Johnson described as “dynamic.” The junior is the team’s leader in rushing and receiving yards. He finished last season with 323 receiving yards, 200 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Senior running back Elijah Spence, junior receiver Jaidon Berry and junior running back Brennan Harris are all looked at as playmakers for the offense.

The line returns junior center Raphael Says. Myeir Woodard, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound junior, should find success in the trenches.

Senior Andre Frenzley should bolster the defense line. The senior tackle led the team in tackles last season with 69, including three for a loss.

“This offseason, Coach Johnson and I really worked on my explosion and fixing my pad level,” Frenzley said.

Senior Melvyn Allen also returns after recording a team-high four sacks last season. Sophomore Diontae Givens returns at linebacker after recording 31 tackles last season. Senior Vincent Eggleton missed last season but returns to give the linebacker spot a boost.

Johnson has come to Sto-Rox looking to restore the tradition of a program that has won conference titles, made playoff runs and reached Heinz Field. The players have embraced this goal and are ready to return Sto-Rox to what it was just five years ago when it reached the WPIAL Class A title game.

“The goal for our team is to make it to Heinz,” Frenzley said. “And with our talent and upcoming classes, we definitely can accomplish this.”

Schedule

Coach: La’Roi Johnson

2017 record: 3-8, 3-5

All-time record: 278-236-9

Date, Opponent, Time

8.25, at South Side, noon

8.31, at OLSH*, 7 p.m.

9.7, at Union*, 7 p.m.

9.14, Cornell*, 7 p.m.

9.21, at Chartiers-Houston, 7 p.m.

9.28, Northgate*, 7 p.m.

10.5, at Rochester*, 7:30 p.m.

10.13, at Bishop Canevin*, 7 p.m.

10.19, Laurel*, 7 p.m.

10.26, Riverview, 7 p.m.

*Class A Big 7 Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Eric Wilson

54-106, 970 yards, 9 TDs

Rushing: Davonte Williams*

115-527 yards, 3 TDs

Receiving: Sedric Riddick*

23-452 yards, 5 TDs

*Graduated

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: Sto-Rox