Video: Highlights of Mission Viejo's Brock JohnsonSACRAMENTO, Calif. — It's not exactly "home for the holidays" in Sacramento for longtime and legendary
Mission Viejo (Calif.) football coach Bob Johnson. But then, every game with the Diablos is a family affair.
Brock Johnson, Mission Viejo
Photo by Larry Aronat
Johnson, who has been coaching high school football since 1968 and has racked up 329 wins, is flanked by his sons, former USC and NFL quarterback Rob Johnson and Bret Johnson, the team's offensive coordinator.
That's been the case since 2004.
On Friday, Mission Viejo (15-0) plays
Bellarmine College Prep (San Jose, Calif.) (13-1) for the CIF Division 1-AA state bowl title at Sacramento State.
"It's going to be special," Bob Johnson said.
For the last two seasons, another Johnson has joined the fray, Bret's son
Brock Johnson. Guess what position he plays?
Yes, Brock, at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, is a natural quarterback. His dad, uncle and grandpa all played the position and Bob is credited with starting the Elite 11 camp in the 1990s.
They all know a thing or two — or three — about the position.
Bob, who coached his sons and took nine seasons off from high school coaching to follow Rob around the NFL circuit, has always been known to be highly critical of Mission Viejo kids who have played the position in an effort to make them better.
Bob Johnson with player before 2014 Southern Section title game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
Photo by Heston Quan
A former quarterback himself at Fresno State, Bob Johnson has coached some good ones, including current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez and former NFL backup Jordan Palmer.
But Bob Johnson, whose bark is louder than his bite, fully admits he doesn't bark at his grandson. Not for preferential treatment sake — he was probably harder on his sons than others — but because Brock doesn't need it.
"His dad and uncle are on him pretty good already," Bob Johnson said. "They know the position pretty good already. He doesn't need to hear something a third time."
Besides, Brock doesn't need a lot of feedback at this point. He's humble and hard on himself as it is.
Brock Johnson at Angel Stadium in Anaheim leading Mission Viejo to a 2014 Southern Section title.
File photo by Heston Quan
He's completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,584 yards, 40 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season. Last season he completed 141 of 176, a ridiculous 80 percent, for 2,510 yards and 22 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
Most important, the Diablos are 27-2 with him at quarterback — the last 27 wins consecutively — and they've won two Southern Section titles.
Despite the positive numbers, victories and bloodlines, he's barely been recruited. Plenty of schools have called, but as of yet, no offers.
Bob Johnson being interviewed after 2014 Southern Section championship.
File photo by Heston Quan
Grandpa thinks Ivy League, Stanford and USC would be good options for Brock.
"He'll land on his feet," Bob Johnson said. "I don't worry about Brock. His arm is plenty strong and accurate. He's one of the best leaders I've ever been around. It's a great group of kids. Nobody cares who gets the credit. It's a very humble group. They grind and work together."
Asked what he loved most about football, Brock Johnson told the
Orange County Register before the season.
"I fell in love with football because it's what I've always known," he said. "I love the speed of the game and the physicality of it. I also love all the preparation: dissecting film, studying opposing defenses and ultimately seeing how it all plays out on Friday nights."
With a win this Friday, it will be just about a perfect career for Brock, whom his grandpa calls "an old soul." Brock is Bob Johnson's oldest grandson.
"I know I'm prejudiced, but he's just a beautiful kid," Bob Johnson said. "He's very serious about the game, but also balanced. He's a humble kid.
"It's been quite a ride with him here. With the entire team. But yes, it will be hard to see him move on. There's been a real bond. It's been a wonderful time."
All the Johnsons are in here somewhere following Mission Viejo's 2014 Southern Section title win at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
File photo by Heston Quan
BELLARMINE VS. MISSION VIEJO
Team: Bellarmine College Prep (San Jose, Calif.)
Overall Record: 13-1
Computer Ranking: No. 10 in California, No. 73 nationally.
Regional Win: Defeated Folsom 42-35
Passing Leader: Troy Martig 105 for 167, 1,375 yards, 14 touchdowns.
Rushing Leaders: Antonio Garcia 782 yards, 16 touchdowns.
Receiving Leaders: Kyle MacAuley 35 catches, 1,200 yards, 8 touchdowns.
Biggest Regular Season Win: Defeated D1-A regional champion Del Oro (Loomis) 34-31.
Team: Mission Viejo (Calif.)
Overall Record: 15-0
Computer Ranking: No. 5 in California, No. 18 nationally.
Regional Win: Defeated Helix 32-28
Passing Leader: Brock Johnson 3,584 yards, 40 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
Rushing Leaders: Colin Schooler 146 attempts, 771 yards, 14 touchdowns
Receiving Leaders: Austin Osborne 48 catches, 1,188 yards, 17 touchdowns
Biggest Regular Season Win: Defeated La Habra 24-14.
Game Time: Friday, 8 p.m.
Site: Sacramento State
Outlook: A perennial nationally ranked contender, Mission Viejo will make its first state bowl championship appearance, while Bellarmine makes its third after heartbreaking Division I defeats to Santa Margarita 42-37 (2011) and Oceanside 24-19 (2009). Bellarmine has won six games by eight points or less, including a thrilling victory over defending state Division I champion Folsom when it scored twice in the last 2 minutes, 18 seconds. Mission Viejo coach Bob Johnson has won 329 games and combined with Bellarmine's Mike Janda have 599 victories, the most two coaches have won heading into a state bowl game according to Cal-Hi-Sports record book.
