Sheetz High School Player to Watch
Rochester RB Trey Johnson
By Will Strome

On the cusp of an undefeated season and with an outright class A Big Seven Conference title already under its belt, Rochester and Trey Johnson are all business. The senior tailback and defensive back is one of the WPIAL's top scorers and lockdown corners who is not focused on what he has already achieved, but what his team is capable of.

As a team, the WPIAL's second best points against defense from a year ago is now the most seasoned and tenacious. Rochester's 4.1 points allowed per game is a WPIAL best and their four shut-outs this season has only been accomplished by Thomas Jefferson and Greensburg Central Catholic. Offensively, the Rams' 32.7 margin of victory is fourth best in the WPIAL; they've scored 37 or more points in six of eight games.

"We have a great nucleus of kids," Johnson said. "There's no drama and everyone is getting real mature."

As mighty as the Rams are statistically, it's their confidence and cohesiveness that makes them such a staunch team. And as impossible as it may seem to outshine such a solid unit, it's hard to overlook Johnson's all purpose individual brilliance.

With 21 touchdowns, 2 two-point conversions and 3 interceptions; it's safe to say that Johnson (5'9, 170 lbs.) is one of the WPIAL's most dynamic and prolific threats lining up on both sides of the ball. Already recognized as a class A all state defensive back from a year ago, the speedy Johnson is starting to get Division 1 looks from schools like Temple, Kent State and Richmond.

Through eight games, the senior tailback totaled 685 yards on 88 carries and 335 receiving yards off 21 receptions. He's also returned a punt 60 yards for a score at Shenango and even threw for a score during Rochester's 37-0 rout against Union. Not to mention, five times this season has Johnson found the end zone three or more times in a single game.

Johnson has already proved he's a playmaker regardless of where he lines up. In fact, the humble senior doesn't mind at all where the coaches see him best fit. He's just a man who wants to win games.

"I just want to help out anyway I can," Johnson said.

"He's a strong slotback and corner with a great vertical leap," head coach Gene Matsook added. "But it's his attitude that's been great all year."