New coach, new approach

African-American studies teacher Marcus Johnson-Williams has assumed the role of the new head coach of the varsity football team. As a former assistant principal at a Franklin Elementary School, and also a former coach for Landstown High School, he has redefined what practice looks like for varsity football.

“Our day to day routine for football involves the academic study period, film review, walk throughs, lifting weights, then transitioning to the football field,” said Johnson-Williams. “It’s a totally new group of young men coming together for the first time. There was a lot of the leadership team that left. It’s a lot of these guys’ first time being in that role.”

The starting quarterback is part of this new group. Senior Angelo Liotta transferred from Catholic High School. 

“My teammates and I have definitely been going through a lot of changes,” said Liotta. “One thing I can say is that this team really embraced me, and just accepted me into their family. It feels like I’ve been playing with these guys forever.” 

The football team has come together to create an environment that not only supports players on the field, but creates something that teaches and enriches them as whole individuals.

“We have a winning culture, but in the right way. In the classroom, in the community with pride, in how they win,” said John-Williams. “Each week is a new challenge and the young men have accepted these things and how to deal with these things both in the classroom and on the football field,” said Johnson-WIlliams.

As of October 1, 2021, the SunDevil varsity football team is 2-2.