Monarch lineman Ian Johnson (54) is pictured during a 2019 game. Johnson has been named to the Division I All-Ohio third team as a defensive lineman. (Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson)
The Marysville High School football team has a representative on the Division I All-Ohio list for the 2019 season.
Senior defensive lineman Ian Johnson was named to the third team.
The All-Ohio teams were named by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association and released by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
Johnson was a three-year starter and played defensive end and offensive guard.
He was part of a Monarch defense that allowed only an average of 12 points per game.
The Monarchs finished the season with a 6-5 record and earned their first state playoff berth in several years.
“Ian has meant a lot to our program,” said head coach Brent Johnson, his father. “He has worked extremely hard to develop as a football player.
“He focused on getting stronger and faster, but he also worked hard at understanding the game,” said the coach. “ If you watch him, he is very good in terms of technique, using his hands and he has a really quick first step.
“Most importantly, he has lived our ‘process’ and has led our team with good understanding of our culture’s expectations. Ian did a great job leading our team, setting expectations and holding himself to those characteristics.”
Johnson reflected on the time he spent coaching his son.
“Coaching Ian was a special time for me,” said Johnson. “Having this experience together where we experienced growth within our program and a little success was a lot of fun for both of us.
“Ian has built a lot of great relationships with players and coaches over the past three years,” he said. “He learned a lot from previous classes and grew with his own class.
“I know Ian is very grateful for this. Personally, Ian has been on the sideline with me since he was in the first grade, so to be able to have a good season and qualify for the state playoffs his senior year was a really good experience for both of us and for our entire team.
“Coaching your son can be challenging at times due to the different dynamics,” said Johnson. “Ian handled that with great character, however, both of us made it about our team and our program, which made it fun.
“It will be different not having him around next year, but I know bigger and better things are ahead of him and I look forward to seeing him succeed in college.”
The younger Johnson will attend Iowa State University and major in Animal Science.