Ironically, one of the lowest points of Greater Johnstown’s 2015 football season inspired the Trojans during a playoff championship run capped by a berth in the PIAA Class AAA tournament.
“I think that game with Cambria Heights, a solid ballclub, kind of made us realize, ‘Hey, this wasn’t the kind of season we wanted, but we have this opportunity. We made it into the playoffs,’ ” Johnstown coach Tony Penna Jr. said, referring to a 21-18 loss in Patton on Nov. 6. “We didn’t know if we were going to make it into the playoffs.
“Once we found out we did, it was like we took a deep breath and moved on.”
The Trojans lost three of their final four regular-season games.
Of course, one of those setbacks was to eventual Class A state champion Bishop Guilfoyle. Setbacks to city rival Westmont Hilltop and at Cambria Heights evened Johnstown’s regular-season record at 5-5.
Despite the late struggles, Johnstown advanced to the Class AAA subregional playoffs.
Once there, the Trojans made some magic via a 20-14 overtime upset at top-seeded Clearfield and a 27-18 victory over defending champion Somerset in the District 5-6-8-9 subregional title game at Herlinger Field.
“We got together as a team and said, ‘Hey, we can be better than this.’ Some of our older guys and the younger guys like Exree Loe and Bryce Gibson, said, ‘Listen guys, we’re better than this,’ ” Penna said.
The season ended with a loss to perennial state power Selinsgrove at Shamokin High School.
A solid group of playoff-tested veterans returns, including Loe, a Division I recruit who led the area with 1,074 receiving yards on 57 catches and was a playmaking defensive back.
“His ability just speaks for itself,” Penna said of Loe, who last August verbally committed to Pitt but changed his mind this spring in order to explore other Division I options. “That’s why he’s garnered the attention he has. He works so hard. He’s always out looking to get better.
“When he gets out there, he’s a game-changer on the field.”
Senior back Bryce Gibson emerged late in the season and ranked 16th in the area with 909 rushing yards on 142 carries.
Gibson also is a key contributor at safety on defense.
Complementing Gibson is junior Trayvon Fields.
“There is nothing like a great running game,” Penna said.
“That makes such a difference in everything you do in a game, like clock management and ball control.”
Of course, the Trojans will miss mainstays such as the area’s leading passer last year, Jeremy Updyke, linebacker Zack Odum and two-way standout lineman Anthony Barber.
In line to replace Updyke and his 2,756 passing yards in 2015 is junior quarterback Austin Barber.
“Jeremy was a great leader and helped Austin out last year,” Penna said. “Austin has worked his tail off all year to be able to attempt to step into that role.
“With the supporting cast he has and the help he has, I’m sure that transition will be a little easier. But being a first-year quarterback in the Laurel Highlands is a daunting task.”
Barber will have plenty of capable targets.
In addition to Loe, the Trojans’ receiving corps features senior Theo Tinsley, who ranked 11th with 497 yards on 23 catches last fall. Also in the mix are seniors Elijah Brehm, Rushaud Jordan-Maines and Tavis Price, the overtime hero at Clearfield after he scooped up a low snap on a potential game-winning 26-yard field goal attempt and ran into the end zone in overtime. Junior Kahari Perry is another receiver.
“We’re pretty excited about the receiving corps in general,” Penna said.
Johnstown has size on the offensive and defensive lines.
Seniors Kieran Beard and Lorenzo Miller are veterans.
Juniors Jake Edwards, Jeremiah Arnold and Eddie Simms, and sophomores Tishaun Carmichael and Jimmy Gettys also are on the line.
Additionally, Penna moved junior fullback Shamar Jones, a Division I recruit, to the line.
“We lost Anthony Barber (on the line) and that was a big loss,” Penna said. “Everybody else is back and they’ve worked really hard. Plus, we moved Shamar Jones to the O-line. He was a great fullback, but he’s an even nastier guy up front.”
Defensively, the Trojans will rely on many of the same players.
“The defensive line is going to be our strong point with Miller and Arnold, and Shamar Jones, who is getting (college) offers now and is a special kid,” Penna said. “Darrian Berkins has looked real good, and Jimmy Gettys is a stud. Jake Edwards best position is defensive line. We’re excited about that group.”
Odum ranked sixth in the area with 129 tackles last season, and Barber was a leader who disrupted opposing offenses. Linebackers hoping to fill those holes are Brehm, Berkins, Austin Barber, Fields and Simms.
“We’re going to put pressure on people,” Penna said. “We’re real confident with our back end, having Bryce, Exree and Tavis. Plus, you’re mixing in Rushaud or Khari Perry back there.”
Mike Marino returns as a place-kicker, and Price punts.
“Every year is a new year, and you have that unexpected aspect,” Penna said. “But we definitely have high hopes with how we finished. Through adversity, sometimes great things happen.”
The title run had long-term benefits.
“That was a springboard for our guys wanting to really work hard in the offseason,” Penna said. “After watching them work as hard as they did, that raises the expectation level a little more. We know the league is tough and everyone else is working hard, too. Now it’s time to put the work in and see if we can get there.”
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