GAMES
RANKINGS
Baytown Lee's Josiah Joseph
TAKING UP THE MANTLE: Lee's Joseph stepping in behind center
Joseph secured first-team, all-district honors a year ago for his efforts at both the wide receiver and safety spots and is now prepared to take on an even more critical role as the team’s full-time signal-caller.
“I’m really just trying to follow his (Duncan’s) steps,” said Joseph. “Playing receiver the last three years and watching him do what he did from that perspective, it’s helped me to get a better understanding of my new role. So really, I’m just trying to help my team in whatever form that takes.”
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Despite the different qualities needed to succeed in the new position, his coaches describe him as being “tough to tackle in a phone booth”, which should bode well for the senior’s dual-threat potential.
When prompted to discuss if he likes to model his game after any particular professional, Joseph delivered a straightforward response.
“To be honest, not really,” he said. “I think of myself as my own person. I’ve just wanted to be me growing up. I want my name to be big and I’m willing to put in the work to make that happen.”
As a team, Lee finished last Fall with a record of 4-6 and just narrowly missed out on the postseason.
2024-25 Baytown Lee FootballJamey Wright (VYPE)
However, as they move to a new district (9-5A-II), Joseph and company have their sights set on changing that notion.
"The goal has always been the same,” Joseph said. “I intend to help my team out to the best of my ability, regardless if that means we’re in the playoffs or not. I won’t think too far ahead like that, so all I need to focus on is what I can do in the moment.”
Time will tell how the Ganders match up against some different competition, but given Joseph’s past experience filling in for Duncan, the offense should be in more than capable hands.
Baytown Lee's John Thompson
THE FAMILY MAN: Lee's Thompson playing for the name on back of his jersey
“Both of my brothers played and growing up, people would always refer to me as Elijah’s brother or Nate’s brother,” he said. “I’m grateful for the path they helped make for me, but I’ve always tried to make a name for myself. I’m not gonna lie it was hard at first, but I’ve overcome it.”
However, that chip on his shoulder has translated to quite the high school career at Lee, evidenced by the fact that the incoming senior linebacker has been a staple for coach Tim Finn’s defense.
“I’ve grown to be really fond of this program,” said Thompson. “Coming in as a freshman and just starting to play the game about three years before that, I always thought it was going to be too hard or that I’d never be able to compete at that high level. Being in the position I am now, you’ve just got to kind of fall in love with it.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
"The biggest motivator for me to do what I do has been my Mom. I’ve always told her that I was going to buy her a house someday. That’s really every kid’s dream, right?”
Although Thompson may put plenty of weight on his shoulders in terms of the responsibility he places upon himself, that doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t enjoy himself in his spare time.
“Ever since the new NCAA Football game was released, I’ve been on that every single day,” Thompson laughed. “But, I like to hoop and spend some time with my friends. Of course, I make time for family, helping my Mom around the house and being around my cousins and all them.”
It’s distinctly evident that family means a great deal to the Lee senior, both at home and on the football field.
As he prepares for his last ride with the team, Thompson will continue to have an unwavering focus for his future.
“The goal this year is to get an offer,” he said. “I’ve had some college coaches looking at me, and I’m hoping to eventually get that opportunity to play ball at the next level. Football is definitely going to be Plan A, but if that doesn’t come to pass then I have some people and career options I can fall back on.”
Regardless of where his path may lead, John Thompson will no doubt be the one to pave it.