The John Hayden Johnson Middle School football team has a remarkable record on and off the field. The team, composed of students from a city struggling to control youth violence, has won 15 games in a row and maintained a 3.0 GPA average. However, the team also faces challenges such as lack of funding, equipment, and parental involvement. The team is hoping to get more support from the community as it prepares for its upcoming games in West Virginia and Maryland.
A team of champions
The Johnson Jaguars are not just a football team, they are a family. The team was founded in 2019 by Kyree Richardson, a former college football player and coach who wanted to give back to his alma mater. Richardson, who also teaches math and science at the school, has instilled a culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork among his players.
The results are impressive. The team has won two consecutive city championships and has not lost a game since 2020. The team has also excelled academically, with all players maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher. The team has also participated in community service projects, such as feeding the homeless and mentoring younger students.
The team’s success has attracted attention from local media, politicians, and celebrities. The team has been featured on NBC4, Fox5, and The Washington Post. The team has also received congratulatory messages from Mayor Muriel Bowser, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and rapper Wale.
A team of challenges
Despite their achievements, the Johnson Jaguars also face many obstacles. The team is based in Ward 8, one of the poorest and most violent areas of the city. Many of the players come from single-parent households or foster care. Some of the players have lost relatives or friends to gun violence or incarceration.
The team also lacks adequate resources and support. The team does not have a home field or a locker room. The team practices on a dirt lot behind the school or at a nearby park. The team does not have enough helmets, pads, or uniforms. The team relies on donations and fundraisers to cover its expenses.
The team also struggles with parental involvement. Many of the parents are unable or unwilling to attend the games or support the team. Some of the parents have drug or alcohol problems, criminal records, or abusive relationships. Some of the parents do not have transportation or money to travel with the team.
A team of hope
The Johnson Jaguars are not giving up on their dreams. The team is preparing for its upcoming games in West Virginia and Maryland, where they will face some of the best middle school teams in the region. The team is hoping to win more trophies and scholarships for its players.
The team is also hoping to get more support from the community. The team is asking for donations, sponsorships, and volunteers to help them with their needs. The team is also inviting more parents, relatives, and friends to come to their games and cheer for them.
The team’s motto is “We Are One”. The team believes that together they can overcome any challenge and achieve any goal.
