Nov. 25--Their awe-inspiring statistics and accomplishments carry plenty of significance within the Bishop McNamara football program, but Jerrico Johnson and Jonathan Ward have their own friendly rivalry.
Ward, a senior running back, is the school's all-time leading rusher. A three-year starter, the 6-foot, 178-pound Central Michigan recruit has rushed for 2,165 yards and 32 touchdowns this season.
Johnson, a middle linebacker and fullback, is the all-time leading tackler in school history. The uncommitted 5-10, 193-pounder often paves the way for Ward to break free for long runs.
And while Johnson enjoys his role blocking for Ward, he often engages in playful banter with his teammate in practices. Johnson leads the Fighting Irish's 3-4 defense with a 175 tackles this season.
"I'm the main guy who calls the plays and delivers the message from the coaches, and our defense takes pride in how to stop the run," Johnson said. "Me and Jonathan have a competition. When he tries to make a move on me and I hit him in practice, he will look at me. We always argue, but it's play arguing.
"It's pretty fun. It's a very good chemistry we have. It's helped us become better players."
Ward, who rushed for 190 yards and four touchdowns in Saturday's 42-14 Class 3A semifinal win at IC Catholic, said his competition with Johnson rubs off on his teammates.
"It's always a competition between me and Jerrico in practice to push one another to make each other better," Ward said, "and that's something we get the rest of the team involved in also."
Spirited talk aside, Ward and Johnson have been the leaders behind Bishop McNamara's run to the 3A state title game. The Fighting Irish (12-1) play Tolono Unity (10-3) at 4 p.m. Friday in at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. It's the program's first title-game appearance since finishing second in Class 4A in 1998.
Bishop McNamara coach Rich Zinanni, in his 41st season at the school, has won four state titles and placed second three times. He's coached countless talented players while building a 333-127 record, including 39 seasons with a .500 or better record and 34 playoff berths.
But Zinanni said Johnson and Ward are "the spokesmen" for his focused group of players hailing from a school of 315 students.
"The kids have been working pretty hard," Zinanni said. "We were pretty young last year and got beat early in the playoffs. We thought this might be the year. They are really focused and playing well and it feels great to get back. It's been a long time."
Bishop McNamara's multiple-look offense is loaded with experience and talent. Two-year senior starting quarterback Kobe Shutter and junior receiver Chris Bell, the school's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns, are part of a prolific offense that averages 39.1 points per game.
Zinanni said his biggest question entering this season was finding two new starters on the offense line to go with junior left tackle Dylan Deatherage, junior left guard Brandon Lowe and senior right guard Steve Tatroe.
Massive senior right tackle Nick Marion (6-3, 310) and senior center Brendon Paquette joined the three returning starters to form a solid offensive line.
As Friday's title game approaches, the Irish understand that they are playing for something special, and also for someone special. Zinanni was inducted into the Bishop McNamara Hall of Fame last week.
Johnson jokes the massive generation gap between their legendary coach and his players is mostly on mundane stuff, such as technology or with slang expressions.
"We're a family," Johnson said. "We actually listen to him since he's been to this position many times. He tells us what it takes to be a state champion.
"But we do try and keep him updated. Sometimes in practice we say, 'Your shoes are on fleek.' We make fun of him sometimes. We're always laughing and joking. It's nice to be around a coach like that who really respects his kids. We truly respect him as an adult, coach and role model. He gives so much back for his players. We'll do anything to make him happy."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Class 3A state championship
Bishop McNamara (12-1) vs. Tolono Unity (10-3)
When: 4 p.m. Friday
Where: Huskie Stadium, in DeKalb
2014 final: Wilmington 20, Williamsville 17
