Salem football preview, 2019: Josh Johnson leads a strong defense with a shot at a Group 1 title

Josh Johnson, Salem

Nasir Robinson (5) of Penns Grove is tackled by Joshua Johnson (68) of Salem during the football game between Salem and Penns Grove at Salem High School in Salem, NJ on 10-27-18. Penn Grove won 26-20. Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance MediaScott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media

SALEM RAMS

Head coach: Montrey Wright, 34-11 entering fifth season.

Last year: 9-3, lost to Penns Grove, 14-7, in South Jersey Group 1 final.

2019 classification: South Group 1.

Starting SI rating: 72.

Division: Diamond.

Division opponents: Glassboro, Penns Grove, Pennsville, Schalick, Woodstown.

Key players: Da’Shon Bundy, Sr., Ath.; Jake Grusemeyer, Sr., C/DL; Josh Johnson, Sr., OL/DL: Tykerron Morrison, Sr., Ath.; Kacirr Street, Sr., WR/DB.

2019 Outlook: Salem is a perennial contender and while it hasn’t pushed through for a sectional title since 1983 it is always in the mix.

Salem should be brutally tough on defense as it looks for a QB and some offensive consistency. Consider the Rams a contender again with the first two games against Pleasantville and Cedar Creek setting a tone for the season.

Look for a big year from Josh Johnson up front, while Kacirr Street shines in the defensive backfield.

Big storyline: Johnson is an Elon commit, but he could still get some recruiting from higher levels if he has the type of year he is capable of. The senior has a chance for a monster season as the big piece on what could be one of South Jersey’s toughest defenses.

2019 Schedule

Aug. 30 at Pleasantville, 7

Sept. 7 Cedar Creek, 12

Sept. 14 Schalick, 12

Sept. 21 at Burlington City, 2

Sept. 28 Overbrook, 12

Oct. 11 at Glassboro, 7

Oct. 19 Audubon, 12

Oct. 26 Pennsville, 12

Nov. 2 at Penns Grove, 12

Nov. 28 at Woodstown, 10:30

Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @BEvansSports. Find the NJ.com High School Football page on Facebook by following this link.

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