Claude Johnson has gotten used to success at a high level throughout his football career.
A record-setting quarterback and three-time all-state performer at Pine Bluff High School, Johnson's Zebras returned to the state final for the first time in 15 seasons in his senior season of 2009.
As a coach, Johnson worked under Arkansas high school football legends Scott Reed, Bobby and Brad Bolding, helping develop 15 Division 1 players in stops at El Dorado, White Hall and Little Rock Parkview.
At Parkview, Johnson served as the school's quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator, and associate head coach, and the Patriots won Class 5A state championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024, scoring almost 40 points per game.
Parkview was a combined 39-3 over those three seasons.
In February, Marion hired Johnson as its head football coach, giving Johnson his first opportunity in the big chair and giving MHS one of the state's top up-and-coming coaches.
“I couldn't be more proud to be here,” said Johnson. “The kids here are excellent athletes and people. Our administration is great; they want the same things that I want, and that's to win and be successful. They're willing to do whatever it takes to have a top-flight and successful football program. The community has been wonderful. It's just been a great experience for me and my family.”
Johnson inherits a football program that is going through one of its best extended periods in school history, winning at least seven games each of the past five years, with three quarterfinal appearances and two trips to the state semifinals since 2020.
After a 7-5 2025 season, 33 seniors graduated, likely the biggest football class in program history.
But Johnson says the cupboard is not bare.
“Our kids are buying in and working hard,” said the coach. “Our mentality is changing every day. We are figuring out how to practice, how to operate like a team. We are rowing in the right direction. We need to figure out what's gonna be our edge, and how we're going to win this year, because it changes every year.”
Marion showed well at the handful of team camps and 7-on-7 tournaments it participated in over the summer, advancing to the semifinal round of a 7-on-7 tournament at Arkansas State University.
With Marion reporting back to school on July 23, the Patriots were not allowed to compete against other schools that had not returned to campus yet, so MHS “got after each other,” said Johnson. “We've had a lot of competitive practices; we've worked and evaluated ourselves. We have learned so much about our own team this summer, and our guys have been showing up with the right mentality.”
Marion opens its 2026 campaign with the annual benefit scrimmage on Friday, August 21 against 6A West power Mountain Home, and the season officially opens the following Friday with a non-conference tilt at Wynne.
The Pats open September with a road trip to 6A West member Lake Hamilton, the first meeting with the Wolves since Marion won a 14-13 playoff decision in 2015 in Pearcy, and Marion caps its non-league slate on September 11 with a home date against Class 7A juggernaut Conway.
“The non-conference schedule this year is going to give us a chance to really figure out who we are, and what we do well and not so well,” said Johnson. “Those are some of the better programs in the state, so they're a good measuring stick for us as we try to establish our identity.”
Marion's 6A East dance card begins on September 25 with a visit from defending conference co-champion Sylvan Hills inside Southern Bancorp Stadium. On October 2, the Pats travel to do battle with El Dorado, and October 9 is the date for this fall's Fred Leonard State Farm Hometown Showdown at home against West Memphis.
MHS heads to Jonesboro on October 16, and the school will celebrate Homecoming on October 23 when the Sheridan Yellowjackets visit. The Pats visit Searcy on October 30, and MHS caps its regular season on November 6 for Senior Night against Benton.
Who plays quarterback for the 2026 Marion Patriots is still up in the air, with Senior Ben Bateman, junior Dell Pickett, and sophomore Drace McGee all working under center this summer and “all having a bunch of ability,” said Johnson. “We like all of those guys; we just have to figure out now who gives us the best chance to win on every play.” Bateman has also trained this summer at tight end, while McGee has repped at running back and receiver.
All-conference tailback Jeremiah Dent committed in May to the University of Arkansas, picking the Razorbacks over almost 25 other Power 4 offers, including Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Auburn, and Miami (Florida). Dent (1,331 total yards in 2025 with 17 touchdowns) “can do anything with the ball in his hands that you can possibly do,” said Johnson. “We love handing it to him, but he's got great hands, and when he's in the open field, it's something to see. He's excellent in space.” Jayden Douglas, Dadrien Love, and Terreigh Barnett each produced when called upon this summer, and “we feel great with them out there,” said Johnson. “They're all a little different with their skill sets, but they can all play.” Jaden Coleman helps at tailback, while Steve Smith shifted in the off-season from center to fullback, where Juan Amaya impressed over the summer and so far in fall camp.
Kam Riley likely starts a third season at receiver, and he picked up an offer in the off-season from Tennessee Martin. Riley caught 15 passes last fall for 203 yards and the winning touchdown in Marion's dramatic playoff victory at Van Buren. Kendrick Walker, Chase Davis, Caleb Taylor, Aidan Wilson and Austin Clark emerged as playmakers in the spring. Davis appeared in most of the games in 2025, while Walker stood out for the junior varsity. Wilson earned all-conference honors in the spring for the track team, while Clark shifted from the secondary to receiver. Taylor owns reliable hands.
The overall strength of Marion's team this fall may lie in the offensive line, where seniors Jarrett Selvy and Walt Tucker, Jr. likely start their third seasons, while classmates Sam Gibbs and Draylon Thompson earned most of the first-team reps in the spring an dsummer. Sophomore Nick Beale earned a scholarship offer from UT-Martin in April and lined up primarily at right tackle this summer. Draylon Thompson and Juan Amaya “seem to improve every day,” said Johnson.
Brody Wasion returns as the team's kicker after joining the program last fall and serving as one of the soccer team's co-captains in the spring.
Gary Wilson appeared in every game a season ago, making 17 tackles, and he shed almost 20 pounds this off-season, earning attention from college coaches. Jalen Hunter and Jayden Curne made plays in the backfield this summer, lining up at defensive end. Julian Tucker and Graylon Miller emerged late in the summer and at the beginning of fall camp. Tim Lemon excels at stuffing the run at tackle. Gavin Bohannon “could be an excellent pass-rusher,” said Johnson.
Terrion Royston earned some varsity reps a season ago at linebacker, and he was one of the junior varsity's top tacklers. Royston “is just a leader, a guy who gets after it,” said Johnson. “He understands the defense and knows how to react.” Deshaun Dabney emerged at linebacker in the spring as a sure tackler. Stephen Nesbitt and Mason Ruffin flashed coverage skills and discipline at outside linebacker in the spring.
Colton Kimbel has started 15 games over the past two seasons in the secondary and “we need him to have his best year,” said Johnson. “He's smart, and he's super competitive.” Kole Clay profiles at safety after picking up a scholarship offer in the spring from UT-Martin. Clay finished third in Class 5A in May at the track Meet of Champions. Pedro Brown and Rodney Butler covered well in the summer as cornerbacks. Khylin Stringer has experience at safety