Cordale Johnson enters his senior season believing the Wichita Northwest Grizzlies have the talent and chemistry to compete for the school’s first state football championship.
“I’m excited that I get to go to battle with my brothers for one last season,” Johnson said. “I feel like this is the team that can bring Northwest their first state title, and I’m excited and looking forward to that opportunity.”
That confidence has been fueled by an offseason built around consistent work. Johnson has spent much of the summer in the weight room and on the practice field, preparing himself to make an even greater impact on defense.
“I’ve been doing workouts almost every morning at the school, whether it’s weights or speed training out on the field,” Johnson said. “I haven’t gone to any camps this summer, but I have gotten positional work in.”
Johnson’s focus has been simple: become stronger, faster and more physical.
“The biggest thing I needed to work on was getting stronger and faster so I can have a bigger role in stopping the run game and be able to provide more for my defense,” he said.
His junior season showed just how dangerous he can be in the secondary. Johnson finished with 30 tackles, four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, 15 pass breakups, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. He also contributed on offense and special teams with 482 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.
Those numbers have positioned him for an even bigger senior campaign, but Johnson’s personal goals extend beyond statistics. He hopes to etch his name into Northwest’s record book while setting an example for younger teammates.
“Individually my biggest goal right now is to get the interception record for Northwest,” Johnson said. “Also, to be able to push and inspire my teammates to want to work hard and love the game.”
As meaningful as that accomplishment would be, Johnson knows the team’s goals come first.
“Team-wise, the goal is to make it to state and win,” he said.
To nominate someone for a story email [email protected]
