The Johnson High boys soccer team moved up three spots to No. 7 in the national rankings of the latest USA Today/National Soccer Coaches Association of America Super 25 poll released Tuesday.
The Knights (12-0, 6-0 Region 8-AAAA) were tabbed as the tenth-best team in the country in this month’s preseason poll for boys spring soccer. Recent wins over Hall County rival East Hall (11-1) and region foes Buford and North Oconee propelled Johnson into its new spot.
The Knights trail behind only Class AAAAAA school Chattahoochee (ranked No. 3) and Class AAAAA school Dalton (ranked No. 1) in the state of Georgia. Dalton is a three-time defending state champion.
Johnson is seeking a return to the state playoffs, where the Knights fell to Cross Keys in last year’s quarterfinals. Coach Brian Shirley led his squad to the state championship game two seasons ago.
Senior striker Fabian Abarca has been the team's most visible leader with 24 goals in 12 games.
McIntosh High is ranked No. 12 on the Super 25 poll, while Whitewater High (14th) and Norcross (19th) also feature from the state of Georgia.