In Kirk Johnson's first year leading the Benjamin Russell football team, he reached the semifinals. He helped change the trajectory of the Wildcats, who, a year before his arrival, finished 5-6. Now, a year later, Benjamin Russell sat atop their region, finishing the year at 12-2, and was one game away from a state title appearance.

Of course, the bulk of the production from a year ago has graduated, with a chunk of them taking the next step in their playing careers by jumping to the collegiate level. But there is still plenty of talent littered throughout the current Wildcats team, which is poised for yet another stellar year under Johnson.

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File / TPI Benjamin Russell quarterback Kingston Preyear and the Wildcats face a loaded slate of home games this season. Two opponents rank within the top 25 in the state while another is fresh off a state title game appearance.

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File / TPI Benjamin Russell coach Kirk Johnson led the Wildcats to the state semifinals in his first year at the helm. In his second year he faces off against a whole new region along with some formidable non-region foes.