Kirk Johnson Leads Montgomery Catholic: Kirk Johnson, Montgomery Catholic’s head football coach, basks in the glory of victory on Bryant-Denny Stadium‘s turf, holding the AHSAA Class 4A state championship trophy. The Knights secured a remarkable 35-0 win over Cherokee County, marking Johnson’s triumphant third season at the helm.
A Columbiana native and former Cornerstone Christian School linebacker/fullback, Johnson’s journey to this moment is poignant. He took a moment for a solo photo, clutching the championship trophy, subtly acknowledging the absence of his mother, Margie. Last November, amidst Montgomery Catholic’s state championship pursuit, Johnson navigated the delicate balance between his team and his ailing mother, who eventually passed away after the team fell short in the semifinals.
Johnson’s determination and resilience shine through as he reflects on the challenging period following his mother’s passing. After a brief hiatus, he returned to guide his team, channeling the grief into a drive to clinch a state title in 2023. The resulta perfect 15-0 season and the program’s first state championship in its 150th year.
The Knights’ dominant defense, ranked at the top, showcased its prowess by allowing a mere 189 total yards in the championship game. Johnson commends his team’s dedication, quoting former coach Tim Smith, who believed in him during his high school years at Cornerstone. Johnson acknowledges the familial atmosphere within the team, emphasizing the importance of players returning home every weeka testament to a thriving program.
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With a remarkable win percentage (.953) over his first three seasons, Johnson credits those who believed in him, including Tim Smith and Aubrey Blackwell, who took a chance on him as a coach. Watching his state runner-up freshmen evolve into state champion seniors, Johnson’s journey comes full circle, a journey shaped by his roots in Columbiana, Shelby County, Alabama.
In the wake of victory, Johnson reflects on his upbringing, acknowledging the trials and tribulations that laid the foundation for the man he has become. The championship win is not just a culmination of on-field success but a fulfillment of promises to his mother and the expectations of his mentors. As the celebration unfolds, Johnson stands as a symbol of triumph, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Alabama football.
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As the final seconds ticked off the game clock, Montgomery Catholic head coach Kirk Johnson couldn’t contain his emotions. After three years of leading the Knights, Johnson finally achieved every high school coach’s ultimate goal: hoisting the state championship trophy.