Torn Achilles in pregame did not stop Woodford County coach Dennis Johnson from coaching through pain

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Dennis Johnson, right, with former current New Orleans Saint offensive lineman Landon Young, a player Johnson coached in middle school. (Larry Vaught Photo)

Former University of Kentucky All-American defensive end Dennis Johnson led Woodford County to a 13-0 start this year before it lost 46-25 to eventual Class 5A state champion South Warren in the semifinals. However, that loss was doubly painful for Johnson based on information from Woodford County High School counselor Kristen Wilson.

“As you may know, coach Dennis Johnson tore his Achilles tendon during our last football game. He had surgery last Tuesday to repair it,” Wilson posted on social media. “Coach Johnson coached the entire game in excruciating pain.

“He has achieved so much this season for our football team, our school, and community. Coach brought us all together through this experience and we would like to give back to him in return.

“We will be collecting gift cards and money to show our appreciation and support during his time of recovery. Please have your gifts to the counseling office by Thursday. Feel free to drop any cards (thank you, get well, etc.) off as well.”

This is a great gesture because it was a special season at Woodford and Johnson has created a huge football buzz in the community. However, I covered him when he played in high school, college and the NFL and never remembered him having a significant injury like that.

“I tore ligaments in my hand once but nothing lower body-related,” Johnson, who was named Kentucky Football Coaches Association Class 5A Coach of the Year, Monday, said. “I work out, play basketball. Then this happened.”

Johnson was injured getting ready to lead the team on the field to play South Warren. He jumped up and yelled, “Let’s go,” but when he came down he thought somebody had kicked him in the heel even though no one was near him. That’s when he remembered being told that a torn Achilles felt like being kicked in the heel.

Johnson went to the trainer who confirmed he had a serious injury and wanted to get crutches for him.

“I told the trainer I was good. We finished warmups and then he taped me up. I sucked it up during the game, but it hurt a lot,” the Woodford coach said. “Then we played horrible and that made it even worse. Every step I took, it hurt. But I could let the kids down or see me hurting. I just had to suck it up.”

He’s in a splint to his knee now and probably will be in a cast soon for two to three weeks and then in a walking boot for another six or seven weeks similar to what UK basketball senior Blair Green has experienced.

“It certainly was not the way I wanted to end our year for a lot of reasons but we had a great year and now I just have to deal with this,” he said.

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If you would like to donate or just leave a card, contact Wilson at 859-879-4630, extension 3018, between 8:30-4 p.m.

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