Interview: 2020 ATH Josh Ward Covers LA City Section Player of the Year Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 season was a special year for Class of 2020 athlete Josh Ward in more ways than one. His San Pedro (8-6) squad took home a championship trophy and Ward was showered with post-season honors for his efforts. His contributions to the Pirates season included coming up with 70 tackles, 41 solo, six tackles for a loss, four sacks, and four forced fumbles on defense. On special teams, he took back 19 kicks for 365 yards with a long of 84-yards. On offense, Ward used his 5-10, 188-pound, frame as an all-purpose back carrying the rock 208 times for 1,361 yards with 18 trips into the end zone. He also pulled in 16 passes for 198 yards with three more scores posted. Ward was recognized as the Pirates team MVP, first team All-Marine League, and LA City Section Player of the Year.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top talents in the Los Angeles area covering his junior campaign and offseason plans.
Interview
Josh, the Pirates were on a wild ride during the 2018 season coming out hot winning three of five but then hit a four-game losing streak. The team pulled together to win five consecutive games with a run through the playoffs to a title win. What pulled the team back together for the improbable playoff run?
“Our coach told us we could throw in the towel or stick together and work through it together, and that is what we did. We practiced hard. We bonded and came together. We had that all our nothing mentality. We gave it our all and won a championship.”
When the clock rolled triple-zeroes against Dorsey taking home a 22-20 win and the trophy, what was that moment like for you?
“It was awesome. Unbelievable honestly. Everyone doubted us. They doubted us early in the playoffs and doubted we would win the championship game. We proved to everyone what we can do and we did it together. That was a special moment.”
No one can take anything away from the tremendous season you put out there in all three phases of the game. Where all did you lineup during the 2018 season?
“I lined up at running back, some fullback, outside linebacker, inside linebacker, kick returner and on special teams – punt, kickoff, and hands team.”
On special teams, the opposition kept kicking to you. Did that surprise you?
“Yeah – well not really. Cam (Thomas) is a really good kick returner. I was not playing special teams before, so they were kicking to me because Cam is really good. They kicked it away from him giving me opportunities. I knew as a running back that once I got the ball to find the hole and go.”
On defense you were all over the field coming up with 70 tackles. How did your game improve on that side of the ball?
“I got better at reading my keys, pursuing the ball carrier, getting low and hitting. I got more comfortable dropping back and covering receivers as well.”
Saving what may be the best for last. You had a monster season on offense. What type of offense do the Pirates run and how are you used within the scheme?
“I was involved a lot with the running game. We ran some power stuff off the guar’s butt. I’d run up to get one on one with someone, make guys miss, and get to the next level. In the passing game, they has some short passes to me and some screen passes.”
How did your game improve as an all-purpose back during your junior year?
“It improved a lot. I learned how to use my peripheral vision better which made my cuts better. My elusiveness got better. I was reading blocks better and using my hands getting defenders off me. I became more of a one-cut and gone back. I also got better as a receiving back. I got better at lowering my shoulder to get extra yards.”
With the season you had, what post-season honors did you receive?
“I received LA City Section Player of the Year, Marine League first team offense, and Team MVP.”
Wow. What was the feeling like for you when you found out you had earned Player of the Year honors?
“It was unbelievable honestly. I never thought I’d get it being a junior. I was happy I was able to contribute to my team. We all greatly benefitted from all the work we put into our season.”
With the offseason here, what are you working on now to prepare for your senior campaign?
“I am working on sprints – I will run track this year, and I am always working on my footwork. Getting faster is important. I am working on my hands so I can be used more as a receiver next season.”
I saw you at a Premium 7v7 workout recently. How is playing with 7v7 going to help improve your game?
“The Premium coaching staff is good. They will help me run routes better and improve my hands. On defense, they will help me with my drops, learn how to read the routes of the receivers, and see when someone is cutting underneath on routes.”
With the year you turned in, have you started receiving any college interest?
“Yes. I am receiving interest emails from Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton.”
Nice. Last question. The national championship game in college football is set, who do you think will win?
“Alabama, but maybe Clemson will win. They are both good.”
Josh, great catching up with you today. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Josh Ward