RB expected to be Ford tough

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2001 | 11:08 a.m.

He has yet to play a down in Nevada, but Foothill's John Ford already finds himself with the weight of an entire school on his shoulders.

Since moving to Henderson from California last spring, the senior has been hailed by a variety of websites and publications as the state's top prep running back. Last week, USA Today named him Nevada's top overall high school player.

Combining cornerback speed (40 times as low as 4.31 seconds) with linebacker size (6-2, 220 pounds) in a rare package, Ford is being counted on to lead the third-year Falcons to the Southeast Division title, to say nothing of helping them to an appearance in November's four-team 4A State Tournament.

"He's definitely had the rock star status," Foothill coach Ray Fenton said. "When he ran his first 40, he had a whole crowd around him watching."

So Friday night, when the Falcons open their season against visiting Clark, don't be surprised if Ford looks a bit nervous before settling in. That's what happened in Saturday's scrimmage against Valley, when he slipped at the line of scrimmage on his first carry before rushing for a dazzling 45-yard touchdown two plays later.

"I know if I don't do well the first game, people are going to think, 'He's not all that,' " Ford said. "I'm anxious. I just can't wait."

Neither can Foothill fans, who are ready to see if their team's new star can live up to his advance billing. With an offensive line that features highly-touted 6-4, 300-pound tackle Paul Lethbridge, a receiving corps led by all-conference selection Nate Wederquist and a stingy defense headlined by linebacker Mike Jones, the Falcons are hoping Ford is the final piece in a championship puzzle.

"He's a real big weapon on our team," senior guard Paul Viray said. "He has the breakaway speed we didn't have last year, and we have a real good offensive line in front of him."

Having already committed to UNLV, Ford can concentrate on doing his job without worrying about which scouts may be watching from the sidelines. But he will spend time during each game thinking about someone who won't be watching him from the stands -- his father, who died of a heart attack last November at age 36.

"When I'm on the field I always picture him in the stands. He was there for all my games," Ford said. "I'll dedicate my games to him this year. I know he's in a better place looking down on me."

Now living with his aunt, uncle and cousin Lorenzo White, a Foothill receiver, Ford has also received support from his new teammates, with whom he has formed a quick and lasting bond.

"They're like my family," Ford said. "I've got their back and they've got mine. I'll follow them anywhere."

And they might follow their newest teammate straight to the Southeast championship.

This is the second in a five-part series of stories previewing the high school football season.