By Ken Hansard
For Webb City senior quarterback Gabe Johnson, just getting back on the field will be a victory. The last time Johnson saw the field was as a sophomore, and his production was noteworthy. Johnson, despite splitting time for much of the season with another quarterback, carried the ball 119 times for 1417 yards for an eye-popping 11.9 yard per carry average.
However, prior to his junior season, he tore his ACL and both menisci in his knee. Since that time, he has spent 11 excruciating months rehabbing the injury. When asked what he most looked forward to for his senior year with the Cardinals, Johnson simply replied, “Just being back on the field with my guys, scoring touchdowns, and winning games.”
Webb City football has a deep tradition as a perennial power both in the Central Ozark Conference and the state of Missouri, which is a key reason for Johnson’s love of the sport, “Growing up watching Webb win all of those state championships is probably where I first learned to love the sport.”
The Cardinals finished last season at 6-7, making a run in the playoffs before eventually losing in the state quarterfinals to Platte County. Johnson feels that, if he can remain at full speed for the entire season, he can help take his team on another deep postseason run, “I just want to stay healthy throughout the season. My goal is 2000 plus rushing yards, but more importantly, to win as many games as possible.”
Johnson also plays basketball and runs track for Webb. He is solid in the classroom with a 3.0 GPA. After high school, he plans to play football collegiately.
