WINCHESTER — The 2025 season was refreshing for Rome Johnson. 

The current senior first played for Millbrook football’s varsity roster as a sophomore during Josh Haymore’s last season as head coach. Although Haymore’s single-wing offense was successful, it wasn’t quite a fit for Johnson. 

So when Nick Manuel took over the program last season and implemented a spread offense, it was music to Johnson’s ears. 

“Growing up, I always played slot receiver and running back,” Johnson said. “So it really helped me to move to that type of offense instead of the single wing that we used to play, and it really helped [our team]. I’m really glad that I switched to receiver.” 

Last year, Millbrook finished 3-7 after taking some time to acclimate to its system change and dealing with injuries to key players. Despite the challenges, Johnson enjoyed a productive season, catching 33 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns and running 15 times for 154 yards. 

Johnson also recorded 37 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery while playing all 10 games. His work at wideout earned him All-Region 4D Honorable Mention and a Northwestern District First Team selection. 

Although Johnson found individual success, he said he’s still hungry and wants to help the Pioneers return to the playoffs this season. Manuel said Johnson is a team-first player who “just wants to win,” but acknowledged getting him the ball greatly benefits the team. 

“I think most importantly, he’s just a good teammate,” Manuel said. “If it’s his job to be the decoy to get other people open, that’s the role that he can do. He stands out, and unfortunately teams know that and they really game plan to slow him down. So it’s my job to be creative.” 

Last season, Johnson and senior receiver Cam Clark were both reliable targets for Johnson’s basketball teammate, quarterback Keon Lewis. 

By graduating, Clark leaves behind 27 receptions, 431 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, Lewis also won’t return after choosing to focus on basketball. 

With that duo’s big-play ability no longer available, Johnson’s role in the offense should expand further. He said he focused on early morning lifts and training on and off the field to get his body right in the offseason in preparation for a larger workload.

Manuel said he’s prepared to utilize Johnson in various ways to maximize his offensive abilities. 

“The goal is to get Rome the football,” Manuel said. “However we get him the ball, if it’s through the running game, reverses, bubble [screens], deep shots, the quick game, we have to have design plays for that to happen.” 

After testing in at 5-foot-8, 145 pounds a year ago, Johnson now stands at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds. Being bigger and stronger will certainly help Johnson on offense, but his development could make him a more imposing defender as well. 

In the secondary, Johnson will start at free safety opposite senior Jude Cusick, who made 83 tackles despite battling injuries last season. Manuel said Johnson didn’t miss any lift days all summer and has been consistently in the weight room since basketball ended. 

Johnson said he wants to be a leader on both sides of the ball and feels he’ll be more productive on defense in 2026. He said the key to shouldering a large burden while rarely coming off the field is having a strong mindset. 

“You’ve just got to have that mentality,” Johnson said. “You can’t come into the game acting scared. You’ve just got to be ready to be a dog.” 

Millbrook’s defensive injuries caused the team’s average points allowed to skyrocket, going from 18.4 points per game in the first five contests to 43 in the back half of the year. If Johnson can get more stops and force more turnovers as a senior, he’ll be doing his part in ensuring the Pioneers’ defense gets back to where it wants to be. 

An additional goal Johnson has this season is to earn the opportunity to play college football. He said football has long been a passion for him, and Millbrook’s changes under Manuel motivated him to keep chasing his collegiate dreams. 

“I’ve been playing football since I was 6,” Johnson said. “I really liked the game and how physical it is, and what kept me playing throughout [high school] is the coaching style. I like how we’re all spread out, we have our receivers now. I just like how we get to throw and pass the ball.” 

Manuel said Johnson has taken the right steps as a player and a leader, and added that he’s excited to see him work to meet his goals. 

“He has college aspirations; he wants to go on to play college football because he loves the game,” Manuel said. “So I definitely look forward to him taking a bigger role. 

“He’s our best athlete, and he’s pound for pound the strongest kid, the fastest kid in our program.”