New Rainier coach starts with simple goals

BY GAIL WOOD | The Olympian • Published August 29, 2008

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RAINIER - Jeff Johnson didn’t want to predict the number of wins his Rainier High School football team was going to get this season.

Instead, Johnson, in his first year as the school’s head coach, put his team’s goal in a simpler mode: Win each play.

“We want to play hard from the first whistle to the end of the game regardless of the score,” Johnson said. “We want to play with heart until the finish.”

Rainier has a new coach, a new offense and a new approach. With Kevin O’Leary at quarterback and speedster Kyle North at running back, Johnson is revamping an offense that struggled to get into the end zone during a two-win season last year.

“Everyone is understanding our offense,” tight end Bradon Franklin said. “Everyone is getting it. It’s going good. We’re excited about it.”

Franklin, at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, is a big addition to the team. An honorable mention all-league basketball player last year after averaging 16 points, Franklin gives Rainier a big target at tight end and a run-stopper on the defensive line.

“I wanted to play football my senior year,” Franklin said. “I wanted to play three sports. Football, basketball and track. This is my last chance.”

Johnson replaces Anthony Hicks, who resigned after two seasons and is now offensive coordinator at Capital High School. Hicks, an All-America running back at Pacific Lutheran University after transferring from the University of Washington, had developed a close bond with his players.

“So, it’s hard for the kids,” Johnson said. “But I didn’t have anything to do with Anthony leaving. I came because Anthony left.

“The kids are starting to buy in and join forces. Kyle North has been showing a lot of leadership.”

North, with his breakaway speed, will be a key to the Mountaineer’s offense.

“Kyle’s strength is his speed and quickness,” Johnson said. “He’s also got great vision.”

O’Leary moved from running back to quarterback late in the season last year and is showing steady progress. He’s a passing-running threat.