Johnson has Jags standing tall in ‘00

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2000 | 11:03 a.m.

Cornell Johnson had the kind of freshman football season most kids only dream about, averaging more than 100 yards per game as his school's starting varsity tailback.

But after struggling through an 0-7 season with first-year Desert Pines in 1999, Johnson didn't want anything to remind him of his rookie campaign.

So the Jaguars' top back ditched his old No. 38 and donned a new jersey for his sophomore season.

His choice? Number 27, worn by Tennessee Titans star Eddie George -- the NFL running back he idolizes and whose style Johnson's combination of power and speed most resembles.

"He's the total package," Desert Pines coach Gary Findley said. "I can honestly say he's the best I've seen as an underclassman. At this point in his career, the sky is the limit."

Standing 6-1, 205 pounds, the 16-year-old Johnson cuts an imposing figure for opposing defenders. Factor in a sub-4.7 second 40 time, and it's no surprise Jaguar foes have yet to hold him under 100 yards.

After amassing 731 yards in seven games last year, Johnson already has 697 yards and 10 touchdowns (eight rushing, two receiving) through four contests in 2000.

But more importantly, as far as Johnson is concerned, his team is off to a 4-0 start. The Jaguars host Rancho tonight with a chance to get a leg up in the Northeast Division race.

"Last year, I knew we were going to have some difficulty, being a new school," Johnson said. "It got frustrating after a while. After our first few losses, we knew it was going to be a long year."

So far, this year has been as thrilling as last year was disappointing for the Jaguars, and not just because of Johnson's exploits. Junior quarterback Darrell Byrd leads a passing attack that has helped keep defenses honest, and the Desert Pines defense has been solid, allowing just seven touchdowns.

"We're probably as balanced as anyone in town offensively, and our defense is really starting to come together," Findley said. "We've got a lot of speed out there on both sides."

When they need a big play, however, there's no doubt about who the Jaguars turn to. Trailing 13-0 against Durango last week, Desert Pines put its hopes on Johnson's back, and the sophomore delivered, scoring three times to give his club a 26-13 win.

On his final touchdown, Johnson rumbled 61 yards, breaking no fewer than six tackles en route to the end zone. Plays like that have him just 10 yards shy of the area's rushing lead, behind only Eldorado senior Steven Jackson.

"When he was first starting out last year, we knew he was something special," Findley said. "We've seen a marked improvement from his freshman year to his sophomore year. And, he's a good student and a great kid off the field. He's a pleasure, not just to coach, but to be around."

For his part, Johnson isn't concerning himself with his numbers or a possible run at the rushing title. He's focused on taking the once 0-7 Jaguars to 5-0.

"If you get used to losing, it's like a habit. And if you get used to winning, it's like a habit," Johnson said. "We're trying to get in the habit of winning."