Bulldogs will be trying to advance the plan
Coach Tim Johnson now in charge of the restoration project
The changes at Albuquerque High are both new and continuing.
Yes, Tim Johnson has been the Bulldogs’ football head coach for only a couple of weeks. But the ongoing AHS philosophy, begun under his predecessor, Curtis Flakes, remains on point.
When Flakes (and Johnson, as his defensive coordinator) arrived at Bulldog City a couple of seasons ago, they laid out a years-long vision to restore both the pride and the winning to the football program.
This is Year 3 of that blueprint. AHS is coming off consecutive 4-6 seasons, which represents tremendous progress. Consider that between the years 2004 and 2013, a span of 10 seasons, the Bulldogs won nine games. Total.
After graduating 23 seniors last spring, AHS is retooling in many ways, although seven offensive starters return.
Roel Pavia, moved from safety, will open at quarterback for the Bulldogs. Johnson said AHS is deep and athletic at wide receiver, led by senior Santiago Williams, a player he describes as “the best wide receiver in the state that nobody’s heard of yet.”
The running game is powered by Kano Nious, and AHS returns three offensive linemen starters, led by 300-pound senior center Kyle Ruth.
Nious also will be a key on the revamped defense as he moves from safety to middle linebacker. David MarquezHernandez, a hybrid end/linebacker, also will be prominent on that side, Johnson said.
“Coach Johnson is one of my favorites,” said Nious, speaking about the recent and sudden coaching transition. “He’s a strong leader.”
Coming Saturday: No. 5 in Journal top-5 metro countdown