2025 Preview: Johnsonville Golden Flashes

Let us just say the 2024 season was not what was expected around Johnsonville for where the Golden Flashes program had been the previous two years.   In 2022 and 2023 combined, Ken Cribb led Johnsonville to a 24-4 mark that included runner-up finishes in Class A in both seasons. But a 5–7-mark last season has Cribb thinking redemption and getting back to where they believe they belong.   “We preach every day to work hard and if we do that and do things the right way, we will improve,” Cribb said. “Last year wasn't a whole lot of fun. Hopefully we will learn from it and grow from it and be a lot better this year.”   Cribb feels fairly good about what he has returning. He's got a few three-year starters in offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1738847' first='Jason' last='Brigham'], defensive end Dylan Smith and linebacker Bricen Howell.   Johnsonville also has about five running backs that can step in at any time. The top two might be Jaiden McFadden and [player_tooltip player_id='1664624' first='Ja'Mere' last='Ross'] but Zaghe Davis and others will have a hand in the ground-oriented attack.   That versatility is something Cribb likes.   “We don't have any superstars,” he said. “We have a bunch of good football players and a lot of them are about equal. We have to win as a team. The best players don't win games; the best teams do.”   The players have also echoed that sentiment. They don't see one true superstar among the group. But what they do see is a talented and experienced group that expects to rebound from the disappointing finish a season ago.   “Everyone needs to put a hand in and keep working together. Without having a real superstar, we feel like we can put together something great with the talent we have at every position,” Howell said. “We try to lead by example and make sure everyone does things the right way. We need to stay consistent.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   Zaghe Davis RB, 2027 – Much like Coach Cribb mentioned, the running backs are interchangeable, and Davis will split time with Jaiden McFadden and [player_tooltip player_id='1664624' first='Ja'Mere' last='Ross'] (Ross will also play slot receiver) among others. Davis is a slasher that uses good vision and a quick first step to burst through holes. His season was cut short due to injury, but he still accounted for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.   Bricen Howell LB, 2026 – Howell is another of those three-year starters on this team and a natural leader. He plays on the outside and can read and react quickly to plays coming his way or going in the other direction. He sheds blockers well and usually brings a punch when making the tackle.   Takhari Ross WR/DB 2026 – Ross (pictured) did a little bit of everything last season, adding quarterback to his already impressive skill set. But he's going to focus on wide receiver and defensive back this fall. He's got nice hands and moves his hips well, which should help him at both of those positions. He's not the biggest player on the field but he moves quick, can run and play physically against bigger and taller receivers.   Dylan Smith DE/TE, 2026 – Smith is a two-way player and a three-year starter that shines on both sides of the ball. He's used as an extra blocker from his tight end spot, and he is a standup edge player on defense that comes downhill quickly from that spot. He uses his hands and leverage well, something that aids him against larger offensive tackles.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1738847' first='Jason' last='Brigham'] OL – When we say Brigham plays with a nasty streak, all you have to do is turn on the film to see it. He mauls guys and once he gets his hands set, he dominates the defender. He's a three-year starter that is 6-foot, 260 pounds and he moves well in space and can hold his own in the trenches. He's strong at the point of attack and can turn a defender in the direction he wants them to go. He plays right tackle, and it will be no surprise if the Flashes attack that side with Brigham leading the way.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Landon Cribb LB – Anytime you lose a four-year starter at any position, it's going to be hurtful. But when you lose the heart and soul of your defense, it's another story. Cribb has been a mainstay in the lineup and brought a fiery demeanor and command respect from his teammates.   Bubba Tapia OL - Tapia was a three-year starter on the offensive line and one of the key contributors to the back-to-back Lower State champion teams. He played some defensive end as well but his leadership and skill up front on offense will be greatly missed.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Zyi'kel Cooper DL, 2027 – The 6-foot-2, 270-pound defensive tackle was injured most of last year, so he didn't see the field much. Having his size and strength in the middle of the defense will help shore up any shortcomings in other areas. He's expected to see more than his fair share of snaps and could turn into a disruptive force the Flashes need.   Bryson Ellison LB, 2029 – Ken Cribb isn't afraid to play younger players, and Ellison might be the next in line to be a four-year starter. Ellison has caught the coaching staff's attention with his football skills and command of the defense even though he's just coming into high school. He's going to get bigger and could turn into a big-time prospect.    Powell played plenty of football last season and took control of the starting job but just by experience alone, he's going to be better. The Flashes do not throw the ball often and Powell has improved in that area in the off season. He completed less than fifty percent of his passes and threw seven picks, but he could see those numbers blossom as a second-year starter. He does what Cribb asks him to do and that's make sound decisions and keep the team out of second and third and long situations.

Let us just say the 2024 season was not what was expected around Johnsonville for where the Golden Flashes program had been the previous two years.