The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Years before his senior football season at Roy High School started, Maxx Johnson was often seen on the track and in the weight room since his freshman year. Johnson is only in his third year of playing football and has only scratched the surface of his potential. The drive to compete is deeply rooted in Johnson, displaying his athletic talents first in track and field and then on the football field.

Johnson ran a personal best of 11.8 100m as a sophomore track star. He also ran the 200m in 24.91. Johnson showed his athleticism and took on 300m hurdles and the shot put and discus events. Posting a personal best throw in the discus event of 128’9″, Johnson finished third at the Region 2 Championship meet his junior year.

Now a chiseled 6’2″ 225-pound rush end, Johnson uses his speed and strength to cause havoc on opposing offenses. Johnson, a team captain on the Royals team that are the reigning 2023 Region 5 champions, also led a defense that gave up only 18.5 points per game. He also is leading the region with 11 sacks and still has playoff games ahead.

“It means a lot winning region my senior year since we came up a little short in those big-time moments every year,” Johnson said. “Luckily, this year we didn’t. Being a team captain was a big deal for me. I’ve always felt like I lead by example and was a captain. I stepped up my role and tried to take players under my wing.”

The Royals have lost their last three playoff games and look for this season to be different. Johnson has seen those playoff defeats up close and wants a different ending this season. The West Panthers in 2020, Westlake Thunder in 2021, and the Weber Warriors last year ended the Royals’ season in the first round.

“My goal before the season was never to lose again,” said Johnson. “That was my goal because losing to Weber hit me hard because I couldn’t help my team the best I could. Unfortunately, we fell a little short of that goal. Another goal was to improve my craft and become a better edge rusher and tackler. I’ve done good with those goals, but there’s always more to do. Our goal as a team is to win our first playoff game in four years, then go on and win the 5A state championship.”

photo of Alex and Maxx from left to right

Brotherly love

Johnson’s older brother, Alex, a 2023 graduate from Roy was on the football team with his brother. Unfortunately, Alex was injured before the season started and missed playing on the field with Maxx. After dealing with his injury during track season as a sophomore, Maxx was now the supportive sibling to his older brother.

“I learned much from my brother about football and how you will react when adversity hits,” said Johnson. “Luckily for my brother, he found a way to bounce back. Now, he plays football at Palomar College in San Marcos, where he will prove to everyone who he is. Getting injured my junior was a life-changing moment. It humbled me and allowed me to sharpen my skills mentally to become a better football player.”

The brothers were able to compete together over the spring on the Royals’ track team. While Maxx finished third in the discus at the Region 2 Championship meet, Alex was able to notch a fourth-place finish. They both qualified for the state meet, where Alex bested his younger brother, this time in the discus throw.

Johnson plays big in the game’s most crucial moments

Johnson can get that extra gear and make plays when his team needs him to. Against the Fremont Silverwolves, Johnson led the team out in the second half, blocked a punt that resulted in a safety, and gave the Royals the momentum on the road. The Royals defeated the Silverwolves, and Johnson recorded two quarterback sacks and a blocked punt to seal the victory.

Against the defending Region 5 champions, Bountiful Redhawks, Johnson made a crucial sack in the final minutes to secure the Royals’ victory. Then, in the region title-clinching game against the Northridge Knights, Johnson would have five tackles and two quarterback sacks.

Johnson celebrates big play

Team captain, leader on and off the field

Johnson knows that being a team captain is not only walking out for the coin toss before the game but also being an example in the off-season, the weight room, and how he carries himself daily. He gives his time and advice and shares with others how they improve their game and improve the team. He supports the Roy community by being a youth league referee and sharing moments at Royal youth camps.

Johnson credits his parents, coaches, and trainers with helping him prepare to play and perform at an elite level.

“I give a lot of credit to my parents because they taught me how to be a good person,” said Johnson. “Even though they are divorced, they did their best not to let that define me as a person. Furthermore, I give credit to my basketball coach, Lynzell Jackson. He taught me the value of hard work and everything you want in this life, you have the work, and hard work beats talent. My trainer, Drake Cook, helped me become a better athlete, and of course, I give lots of credit to head coach Chris Solomona and coach Maurice Cannon they’ve had my back since day one. They are the coaches who got me to love this game. I never played till high school, so having great coaches helped me.”

Royals’ defensive coordinator Jake Gallegos has the number-one scoring defense in the region, allowing only 18.5 points per game. Gallegos knows a significant part of the defense and team’s success is because of the growth of Johnson.

“Maxx is one of the hardest working, smartest, and best kids I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching,” Gallegos said. “He thinks like a coach, and it is big for us to have a kid like him out of the field. He’s a great football player, but even more than that, he’s the type of kid that makes coming to work fun. He has a bright future, and I can’t wait to see where this sport will take him.”

Johnson sees continued success for the Royals

Johnson was vital in being a leader for Solomona, Gallegos, and offensive coordinator Connor McGuire in their initial season in 2022. The Royals then moved to Region 5 this season and immediately took the region by storm, winning the region championship. The staff has settled in, and Johnson sees teammates ready to step in and be playmakers in the future.

Royals’ junior quarterback Dru Gardner recognizes Johnson’s positive impact on the team.

“Maxx is one of the most influential people on the team, and he is a huge part of the success we’ve had so far this year,” said Gardner. “Everyone knows we can rely on him to make a big play and to lead us. He has never complained but leads us through everything, and I’m very thankful to have a teammate like Maxx.”

Maxx feels great about the future of the team.

“The future stars of Roy, in addition to Cade Draper and Robert Young, are Ange Ahui, a young sophomore with a great mindset,” said Johnson. “Carsten Engberg is also a young sophomore with a great mentality, and I know he will be one of the best linebackers in the state.”

Johnson has more left in the tank to lead the Royals on a deep playoff run in 2023, and it starts with playing the winner of the Bonneville Lakers and Hunter Wolverines game at home on October 27, 2023.

photos courtesy James Tate