WASHINGTON TERRACE -- It can be a difficult transition for a coach to go from calling all the shots to being an assistant coach, but that is the story of new Bonneville High coach Randy Johnson.
After spending 15 years as the head coach at Clearfield High in which he won a state title in 1993, Johnson ended up taking a risk that landed him an assistant coaching job at Bountiful.
Instead of staying on as an assistant, the fire still burned bright for one of the best old-fashioned coaches and Johnson was tabbed as the next head coach of the Bonneville Lakers.
This is only the third coach in the past 36 years for the Lakers and it is a challenge that Johnson is looking forward to.
"I decided that if I wanted to stay in coaching I would want my own program again," Johnson said. "It's a smaller school in terms of numbers out for football, something I would like to change while I'm here. I wanted to have my own program again and after looking at other opportunities, I decided to come here.
"The kids are great and are really working hard to implement the type and style of offense that I wanted to bring to the table. It's a break away from the normal thing and it makes us and other teams practice and prepare differently than they normally would."
Helping coach Johnson make the transition in the new double wing offense is quarterback Morgan Unga. The Unga name is familiar with Bonneville fans and his presence allows for Johnson to do some things that he might have otherwise had to do.
"Morgan may be the tallest, brightest kid that I have ever had the privilege of coaching," Johnson said. "He acts like an assistant coach out on the field and is constantly correcting and helping his teammates be and put themselves in the right spots to be successful -- and that includes any position.
"His football savvy is great and that makes him one of the best players that I have had the chance to coach. He has a great football mind and makes good decisions with the ball."
Besides Unga, the wingbacks in the offense will be seniors Kade Wilson and Beck Nelson while the tailbacks in the offense will be held down by senior Danny Perkins and junior Colby Bedford.
Mitch Hansen, who has the height, weight and skills to be a good college player, is the team's starting tight end. He will also see time at the defensive end position.
Keaton Alder, a returning starter on the offensive line, will team up with senior center Austin Leavitt, another returning starter to form a solid line that will open holes for those quality skill position players. Senior offensive guard Joey Tafuna'i and junior Wilson Atagi will also anchor the line.
Defensively, Hansen will play up front with senior Payton Green who played a bunch last year at the end position. Wilson will play linebacker while Nelson, Unga, Cooper Jenkins and Andrew Croyle will make up the defensive backfield.
"The only problem I have seen is the depth that the school has," Johnson said. "I want to have more players out for football and that will help to creat depth. We can play with just about anyone and in order to contend, we have to stay healthy. Coaches say that all the time, but in our case, it's true. All we can do is prepare and condition to outplay the other team."
Johnson won't know his immediate impact until the Lakers play their first game. But the one thing he knows is that they will play hard each and every play and try to take advantage of their unique offense and defense schemes.
About the Lakers
Coach: Randy Johnson (1st season)
2010 in review: 1-4 in Region 5, 2-7 overall, missed state 4-A playoffs
2011 slate: 4-A’s Region 5
Returning starters: 10
(5 offense, 5 defense)
Players to watch: Morgan Unga, senior, quarterback; Beck Nelson, senior, safety/wingback; Kade Wilson, senior, linebacker/wingback; Keaton Alder, senior, offensive lineman/defensive lineman; Peyton Green, senior, defensive end; Mitch Hansen, senior, tight end/defensive end; Austin Leavitt, senior, offensive lineman’defensive lineman; Cooper Jenkins, senior, defensvie back.
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