Johns took positive lessons from struggles

There are positive lessons to be learned, even during a winless 2025 football season that stretched into a 15-game losing streak. The following testimony comes from senior running back and linebacker Brody Johns, the Munising High School player who grew physically and spiritually this season.

“[The losing] made me learn to keep moving forward,” Johns said. “You have to keep pushing everyone with you. You can’t quit.”

Johns kept on pushing and pushing and pushing until he was recognized as a first-team linebacker in the Great Lakes Eight Conference West Division. Johns said his improved play can be attributed to the Mustangs having that “don’t quit spirit,” along with offseason workouts at the Michigan Tech football camp and in Kingsford.

Johns rushed for 713 yards and nine touchdowns this season, but his main contributions came on defense, where he recorded 89 tackles, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and six pass deflections. The Mustangs (3-6) took pride in their defense and often slowed high-powered offenses until the second half, when their rail-thin roster wore down. Close games turned into blowouts.

“We started getting confidence,” Johns said. “After losing so much, we did not have confidence.”

That confidence grew following wins over Ironwood, Superior Central and Ontonagon. For head coach Matt Mattson, seeing one of his leaders battle through tough times with a positive attitude meant a lot. Mattson wants players to leave every season with life lessons in their back pocket.

“If you win or lose but play at a high level, you don’t hang your head,” Mattson said. “You must continue to walk off the field with your head held high.”

Johns wasn’t happy to see the season end. He wanted to keep fighting with his boys.

“They are all my best friends,” Johns said. “I love them all.”

Johns wasn’t expected to contribute at running back last season. He played on the offensive line, and Mattson wasn’t sure how athletic he was. Injuries in the backfield forced his hand, and Mattson moved Johns to running back, where he responded by providing a nice one-two punch with Levi Hauler.

Wrestling is next, and Johns is expected to add more hardware to his trophy case. He should challenge for district, regional and Upper Peninsula championships. Qualifying for the Michigan state tournament is also a possibility.

He was a team captain last season and finished 25-13.

The military could be in the cards for Johns after graduation, but he is not certain of his future yet.

“I enjoyed it,” Johns said of his senior football season. “But I’m ready.”