October 30, 2009

Dirk Knudsen
OregonPreps.com Editor

The Sheldon Irish Football program is well known in the State of Oregon. In recent years they have won two State Championships.

One of those was in 2007 when Sheldon beat Tualatin 28-14 to take the 6A crown. That was the year when we saw the rise of one Curtis White; the Irish superstar slot and Defensive end. The win launched him into star status and he went on to receive an offer from the Oregon Ducks as only a Sophomore that year.

But without much fan fare that was the year where those paying attention also saw the rise of a quarterback. Yes it was head coach Marty Johnson's son Jordy Johnson or "Jordy" as he is known. He began starting in the middle of his 10th grade season and carried that team on his back at times. He was young and gutsy then.

Flash forward two years and the road to 2009 has been nothing short of spectacular. Jordy has put up huge numbers in 2007, 2008, and now in 2009. He has done this playing in the toughest division and with a very tough schedule loaded with the best in state opponents.

We could talk all day about the Statistics but ponder these:

Statistical Summary for Jordy Johnson: Sheldon High School

Now we can all sit here and wonder. Are these numbers getting into record territory? Did Clemmens or Harrington or Anderson put up these sort of numbers? Well with two regular season games left and what appears to be at least three play off games for Sheldon left it is not inconceivable he could break 10,000 yards in offensive production.

"Really? I don't know what my numbers are. I just know we are playing really well. In fact I would say we are a much better team now then we were in 2007," said an always humble Johnson.

Jordy stays away from interviews and is another humble guy who rarely speaks to the press. As far as college plans go he now has some options.

"For me all I have ever wanted to be is a Sheldon Irish football player. Playing in college never really came into my thoughts until recently. Living in Eugene and winning a State title or two was enough for me. But to see the reality that I am going to be able to keep on doing this is starting to set in."

Johnson has offers now from Army, Air Force, Montana, and Portland State. Many believe his talent is worthy of a big time Pac 10 offer. He is a winner. He has all the physical attributes so why not? Why not indeed.

"I am not going out seeking offers. The right program will come to me. If they find me then I know that I will be going somewhere where I am wanted and needed. That is more important to me then anything," he added.

Right now the Irish have South Eugene and South Medford left to play in league. These should be two big games but the Irish control their own destiny and can win the SWC out right and take the #1 seed.

"This week we have South Eugene and this game in town here is a big rivalry. Believe me we are not thinking about anything or anyone else right now," he added.

He credited John Campbell, Curtis White, Drew Minor, Cameron Abeene, and Derrick Nielsen as well as all his team mates for making this year so special.

Oregon State may be hot on Johnson according to our sources. It is a pity that the Ducks have not shown more interest. In the Pacific Northwest no one has put up these type of numbers and Johnson's 10.2 average yards per carry this year and 1 interception showcase his increased IQ and physical development.

We are so proud to have a scholar athlete like Jordy Johnson representing Oregon. We know he will do great wherever he ends up and will write a great chapter in the big book that is Oregon High School Football. Best of luck to him and the Sheldon Irish this year!