JOSHUA OWLS
What if?
Joshua Head Coach Danny DeArman doesn’ t want anyone to get confused when it comes to the Owls’ 5-5 record in 2024, the best finish since 1996. For the program and the community, it’ s a big deal; however, in DeArman’ s eyes, the takeaway from last season is what if?
What if the Owls were able to limit mistakes and finish games? The fifth-year head coach believes the team was very close to being 8-2 and making the playoffs.
“ It’ s a fine line of constructive criticism with having a great season according to the program,” said DeArman.“ It’ s trying to use knowing what could have been to springboard this season.”
Missed assignments, turnovers and lack of teamwork were all mistakes that kept building up and took a toll on the Owls, middle linebacker Eryk Martinez noted.
For the senior defensive leader, Joshua will not live in the past.
“ We’ re gonna be a mistake-free team this year,” said Martinez.“ We’ re making strides that we didn’ t before.”
The first step for DeArman and the Owls in 2025 is not allowing complacency. Losing similar numbers on both sides of the ball brings a new challenge, but avoiding imitation of tendencies from last year looks easier for Joshua’ s offense.
Offense
According to DeArman, the passing game felt like an Achilles heel in 2024. Not having the ability to throw limited the playbook for the Owls and didn’ t allow the true intention of executing the inside-veer triple option.
Concentrating on their scheme throughout the early part of 2025 stems from the new quarterback under center in Brayden Payne.“ He gets what it is that we’ re needing,” said DeArman about his junior quarterback.
Playing wide receiver freshman year and slot back the following season, Payne returns to his true roots as a passer.
“ I’ ve played everywhere and this is the spot I’ ve always wanted to play,” Payne said.
Learning from his time at multiple positions, Payne feels he understands the offense more than ever and his knowledge will benefit the supporting cast.
Drawing confidence from the head coach for his throwing ability downfield, Payne praised his“ really valuable” receiving corps that he can trust in any situation.
One wideout that DeArman mentioned as a potential breakout player for the Owls in 2025 was newcomer Malachi Berry. Berry’ s agility, size and speed is something that Joshua’ s coach hasn’ t seen since he was hired in 2021.
For slotbacks and B-backs, it’ s the best group DeArman has seen in his offense. Returning his starting running back and two others who played significant time last year, the Joshua backfield represents a collective of football savviness, DeArman noted.
Defense
Much excitement came from DeArman when speaking on the defense for 2025, which brings many starters back up front. On the edge, DeArman expects more from
24 johnson county gridiron 2025