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A chance to step from the shadow

With his father a 1992 Pasco state champion, freshman Josh Johnson wants to make his own mark in his first varsity game.

By IZZY GOULD
Published September 16, 2005

DADE CITY - When the week began, Josh Johnson was a JV quarterback at Pasco.

Tonight, the freshman is the varsity starter against Sebring.

Caparaso said Thursday the job is Johnson's to lose after junior quarterback Tony Smith was suspended for a third week, this time for a missed practice. Smith was suspended each of the first two games for disciplinary reasons.

What does indefinitely mean? Caparaso said Smith could sit the game entirely, or be involved from the second play.

One thing is certain. Pirates fans are eager to see if Johnson can duplicate the success his father, Issac, had as a key member of Pasco's 1992 state title team.

But his father is remembered for more than just Pasco County's only state title. The elder Johnson was arrested the night before the game on an outstanding warrant for a robbery charge. He was released in time to lead the Pirates to a 28-16 victory over Jesuit.

From first snap until graduation, Johnson knows he will constantly be compared to his father.

"It doesn't bother me," the freshman said. "He didn't go to college so I'm going to have to make it for him and show him how I can play."

The father-son combo will work together at least twice a week to sharpen the quarterback's skills.

Johnson virtually was raised with a football in his hands and groomed to be the Pirates' quarterback since birth.

"He'll help me with my fundamentals," Johnson said of his father. "I saw tapes of how he could hide the ball. I had to keep rewinding it to see how he did it and did all these fake plays. It was amazing."

Johnson's play will determine if he retains the job for three seasons, or three quarters.

But Caparaso has benefitted from starting freshmen such as McClain Bryant, Mike Onyskin and former Bellingham standout Ricky Santos.

"Instead of McClain being a starry-eyed sophomore, he's a veteran sophomore," Caparaso said. "That's what we anticipate happening with Josh."

Caparaso will scale back his offense so Johnson can adjust to varsity football. He already has a basic knowledge, though varsity picks it up a notch with more intricate plays.

Johnson stepped in Wednesday and impressed Caparaso with his ability to lead the offense during his first varsity practice.

"He was very poised," Caparaso said. "We took the gloves off and told the guys to treat him like everyone else."

Contact Izzy Gould at 352 521-6517 or igould@sptimes.com

[Last modified September 16, 2005, 01:36:17]