Sitting across the young men who represent Johnson County, hearing them preview their 2025 season, you would never believe that many of these teams are in year one or two of a new coaching staff.
Beginning my time with the Times-Review at the tail end of last year, I didn’ t get to see any of these teams play other than Alvarado. For the most part, my interviews were more about learning about the programs.
Call me an outsider for not enduring the struggles of teams such as Cleburne, Joshua or Burleson over the years, but maybe my ignorance is bliss when it comes to being optimistic about 2025.
Everybody has an incredible story to tell in Johnson County. The Yellow Jackets and the community want to forget about the past three years, having only attaining three wins in that span. What I loved about the interview was new head coach A. J. Sheppard’ s immediate response of tackling a 0-10 season head-on, rather than shying away from it.
The tone in which he speaks not only motivates his players, but also makes me want to put on some pads and run through a brick for him.
I got the same feeling from second-year head coach Phillip Tanner and the Burleson Elks. Predicted to go winless in 2024, the Elks proved a lot of people wrong. Yet, the swagger exuding from Tanner and the team gives you the sense that it’ s just the beginning.
I don’ t mean to leave anyone out in this column because I could write an individual column for each team; that’ s how excited I am for this football season. As a journalist, I hope I’ ve brought justice to each team’ s story.
Is it simple to say that I dream of seeing these teams at AT & T Stadium in December? Of course. However, what I say to all the communities across Johnson County is block out the end destination for a few months and enjoy the ride. This season should be a lot of fun.
Armando Lutz
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