Tiny teachings for
Washington tailback

By Joe Mason
For the Times

James Johnson is always looking for ways to improve his running game.
Johnson is a junior tailback on the George Washington High School football team, and when his coaches give him advice, he gladly listens.
In fact, Johnson learns from everyone.
"My younger brother (George Weems), he’s just eight years old but he’s a really good running back," Johnson said. "He watched me run and he told me that I should be more of a speed guy. He told me that I had the power, but I should try to run around people more.
"This kid is just eight, but he’s a really good running back, and I started to listen to him because we mess around in the back yard all the time," he said. "He’s a really good player for the North Philadelphia Aztecs, and he’s going to be really good. Maybe he’ll be a coach some day."
Maybe he already is.
On Friday afternoon, Johnson didn’t see a lot of work, but he made just about each of his plays count. Johnson rushed four times for 88 yards and three touchdowns, and caught another 10-yard touchdown pass, as Washington motored past Central, 43-15, in a Public League Red Division game.
The Eagles were extremely opportunistic in the first half, scoring six touchdowns on just 13 offensive plays. In the process, they turned an early 7-0 deficit into a 43-7 edge at intermission.
"I’ve never played in a game like this," Johnson said. "It was fun, but it was quick. We came out flat, but they got up on us and I think we realized we better start playing our best or we’re in trouble. After that, we kind of got back to doing things the way we need to do them."
The game was just another monumental one for the Eagles, who have been on quite a roll lately.
On Sept. 28, the Eagles defeated Germantown, 36-0. That one was special because it marked the 200th win for head coach Ron Cohen.
A week later, the Eagles followed that up by defeating Frankford, 24-8. That marked the first time in three years that the Eagles downed the Pioneers.
Washington is now 3-0 in Public League Red Division play, 6-1 overall. The team’s only loss was to Chestnut Hill Academy, an Inter-Ac team that is perfect through five games.
"Hey, we’re playing well right now," Cohen said. "We didn’t start off that way today, but we got it going and last week was a big one. But we’re still getting better and we still have a lot to do. But we’ve had some guys make big plays."
Johnson is one of them.
Prior to the Frankford game, Johnson was more of a blocking back and junior Omar Hunter was Washington’s featured back. But right before that important game, Hunter broke his ankle in practice.
"That was sad for all of us because he’s a really good player, a good friend, and we miss him," Johnson said. "I like getting the ball and all, but I’d rather be a blocker and have him out there.
"He still comes to all the games, all the practices, and we’re still good friends," he said. "We want to get into the playoffs and keep winning so he can come back."
But if Hunter is unable to return this year, the Eagles are in good hands . . . as long as Johnson continues to listen to his coaches and his little brother.
"I go to his games all the time and watch him for pointers," Johnson said with a laugh. "Hey, you never know where you’ll get good tips from. So far, he’s been great." ••
Joe Mason can be reached at joemason70@hotmail.com