Johnson Becomes Go-To Guy For War Eagles

Forrest Johnson,
Rogers Heritage, looks back towards his team after running into the end zone Sept. 28 during the game against Springdale Har-Ber at Gates Stadium in Rogers.
Forrest Johnson, Rogers Heritage, looks back towards his team after running into the end zone Sept. 28 during the game against Springdale Har-Ber at Gates Stadium in Rogers.

— Forrest Johnson has drawn plenty of attention from opponents this season.

Johnson hears his name called most plays from the opposition and defenses are pointing to make sure they know where he’s lined up.

But in many cases it hasn’t mattered.

For instance, the senior managed only four catches in last week’s win over crosstown rival Rogers High, but he still came up with a big play.

Johnson snagged a screen pass, shook off a tackler and scooted 61 yards for a touchdown to get Heritage on the scoreboard, after falling behind 14-0.

War Eagles quarterback Josh Qualls said even though it was third-and-short, he was confident in Johnson’s ability to come up with a big play.

“I knew if I handed it to Brandon Gates, he’d get the one or two yards,” Qualls said. “But I knew if I got the ball to Forrest, he could get more than one and he did. He got 61.”

Johnson’s speed has made him a valuable and versatile weapon for Heritage this season.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder has rolled up impressive numbers with 1,105 yards on 53 receptions and 14 touchdowns. He’s also added 234 yards rushing on 34 carries and four touchdowns.

Heritage coach Perry Escalante said the opponents must account for Johnson on every play.

War Eagles offensive coordinator Darren Hotelling said the coaching staff has tried to find as many ways as possible to get Johnson the ball.

“Every week we try to get creative to try to take advantage of his abilities,” Hotelling said.

Johnson has lined up at inside and outside receiver spots. He’s been put in motion and taken handoffs on jet sweeps. He’s even lined up in the backfield. Johnson also returns kicks, but teams often just kick away from him.

“He can score from anywhere,” Escalante said. “We can give it to him on a jet sweep, a short crossing route or a bubble screen. He can take it to the house.

“I think he proved that against Rogers. We can flip it out to him and he’s gone.”

Johnson also got Heritage going early in its win against Springdale High. After the War Eagles stopped Springdale on fourth-and-short, Johnson took a screen and jetted down the sideline 77 yards for a 7-0 Heritage lead.

Johnson said developing into Heritage’s go-to player is exactly what he wanted to do this season.

“I wanted to be the guy we go to if we needed a big play,” Johnson said. “I wanted to be the guy. It’s working out for us.”

Qualls agreed. The junior quarterback looks to Johnson in all sorts of situations.

“Sometimes I don’t even get the right reads, I just look for Forrest,” Qualls said. “I know I can throw it Forrest even if he’s double covered. I trust him to make the play. He’s gotten me out of a lot of holes this year.”

Upcoming Events