Heading into the opening week of the season, Terry Pirtle expected big things out of his quarterback.
"Josh Johnson is going to light it up this year," Pirtle said.
As the Second Baptist School heads into Week 8, the Eagles are 7-0, averaging 45.2 points per game and in three of their seven wins scored more than 50 points.
"The season has been pretty good this year, coming into it I knew our offense had a lot of potential to put up a lot of points," Johnson said. "So, it is pretty cool to see that we are actually doing it and the hard work is paying off. Also, it's my senior season and it's been fun because I have been relaxed and just really trying to enjoy every single bit of it."
Johnson has been "lighting it up" on the stat sheet this season - going 67 of 125 for 1,195 yards, 19 touchdowns and three interceptions. Johnson has also rushed for 178 yards and four scores.
But the senior leader knows none of this is possible without the people around him.
His numbers aren't possible without Jaylon Coleman making catch after catch - 27 receptions for 547 yards and 12 scores. Without Dylan Cordell protecting him. Without Jonathan Gooden swiping the ball on defense to give the offense another chance to score.
"It has been pretty cool to see the hard work paying off with the opportunity God has given me. I wouldn't have been able to do it without my offensive line, receivers, running backs, and coaches," Johnson said. "Also, our defense is a big factor as well."
With three games left on the schedule – at Cypress Christian on Friday before closing out the season at home against Fort Bend Christian Academy and Lutheran South Academy – the thought of an undefeated season is starting to become real.
Last year, Second Baptist finished the regular season at 9-1. The Eagles' lone loss in the regular season came against Van Vleck in Week 4.
Unlike last year, the hopes of a perfect regular season mark are still alive entering Week 8, making this a big motivator to finish strong and undefeated.
"You know, it feels great that we have an opportunity to go undefeated in the regular season because my school hasn't done that in a very long time," Johnson said. "So, since we have the chance to do that, it is a driving force for us to work hard and prepare each week."
