OAKWOOD — The Johnson boys soccer team already claimed their second state title in four years last month, taking a come-from-behind, 4-2 win over St. Pius in the Georgia High School Association Class 5A championship match at McEachern Stadium.
Earlier this week, the Knights were officially proclaimed one of the best in the nation for their efforts.
The Knights finished 21-1 and ranked No. 4 in the country in the final United Soccer Coaches High School Rankings poll, which was released on Tuesday. The USCHS poll is the most respected and considered accurate poll in the nation and is conducted by coaches.
Johnson was one of four Georgia teams ranked in the final USCHS Top 10 and sits behind only Class 7A Harrison (23-0) out of Kennesaw, which was voted the nation’s No. 1 team after going undefeated and winning the Class 7A title.
Atlanta International (19-0-2), the Class A Private champion, finished tied for sixth, and Lassiter (19-2) finished eighth after winning the Class 6A title.
Riverside, out of Greer, S.C., and The Baylor School out of Chattanooga, finished second and third, respectively.
Knights coach Frank Zamora called it a validation of the program’s hard work and dedication.
“It's an honor and brings huge joy for our program to receive this recognition,” Zamora said. “To win region, state, and to be considered among the best in the country is a testament of (the hard work and dedication) of our players, coaches, teachers, parents, and the entire Johnson community. It’s a full team effort.
“What makes me most proud is that we were able to accomplish all of this while maintaining academic excellence. Overall this shows our boys that hard work pays off.”
Zamora also credited the talent level statewide for helping to push every program in the state.
“(Four teams in the top eight) talks to the high level of soccer we have here in Georgia, not just high school but club soccer as well,” he said. “Communities across the state are invested in the beautiful game, and it shows. We have some of the best players and teams in the country.”
And while the final No. 4 ranking is the highest-ever finish for the Knights, they should be right in the mix again in 2023. They return more than half of the 2022 roster -- 15 of 23 to be exact, including leading scorer Jorge Sandoval -- so they will be experienced once again.
“The expectations are always high at Johnson soccer. Every season we set out to compete for region and state championships; 2023 won’t be any different,” he said. “We know it’s not easy, but we also know it’s possible.”
But as the saying goes, “it’s harder to repeat as champs than to win the first one.” They did win their first title in 2018, but none of the current roster was on that team.
How will they combat the issue of complacency?
“Our mindset will be key. Our message has been about staying humble and hungry in order for us to accomplish a repeat,” Zamora said. “A few days after winning the state championship, I had the returners texting me about summer workouts. We have really enjoyed all the celebrations and recognitions, but we are ready to get back to work.”
If the schedule remains as in 2021-22, the 2023 GHSA soccer season will kick off in late January.
