INTERVIEW WITH JOHNNY PICKETT, A BEYOND SPORTS MEMBER & WR FROM WESTFIELD H.S. (VIRGINIA STATE CHAMPIONS). PICKETT ENDED UP PLAYING ON THE UNDEFEATED TEAM CAPPING A GREAT HIGH SCHOOL CAREER.

BSN: Johnny, describe how it felt to go undefeated in your final year?

It was so satisfying to finish the year undefeated. With no blemishes on our record we will be able to look back forever and say we were the best team that year. We talked about it for four years that this senior class was going to win the "state title". Winning was incredible and to do it with an undefeated record just made it that much sweeter.

BSN: What was going through your mind in preparation for the state title?

I just wanted to make sure I had no regrets. I made sure that not just that week, but the whole year, I gave everything I had whether it was in film or practice. I kind of had a sick feeling in my stomach that whole week because each time I walked down for practice I knew my high school career was coming to an end. It was such a happy week for me, but at the same time it was sad to know that was the last week of football.

BSN: What was your feeling in the final minutes of that Virginia State Championship game?

I can't even describe the feeling I had in the final minutes of the State Championship. It was so surreal. It was almost as if everything was going in slow motion. We had worked so hard for four years to get to that moment and when it came it didn't seem real.

BSN: What are your aspirations now that your high school football career is finished?

I am looking to play college football, whether it is on the D-1 or D-1AA level. However, studies come first and I am looking to get a good education.

BSN: Do you have a wish list of colleges or a preference where you would want to continue your career?

Well in the next month I will take official visits to Marist and San Diego. My dream school, however, would be a D-1 or D-1AA school in North Carolina or South Carolina. I think that would be the perfect situation for me.

BSN: What are your fondest memories of your Westfield playing career?

My fondest memory at Westfield was the feeling I had as soon as the Oscar Smith game finished in the state semifinal. Do'’t get me wrong, winning the state championship was incredible, but the feeling we had when we knew we were going to get to play at UVA which we strived to do for four years was something I can't even describe.

BSN: What advice can you give to the underclassmen preparing for their senior year?

For all the underclassmen the only advice I can give you is to give everything you have preparing for this year whether it be in the weight room or conditioning. Make sure your senior year is the best year of your life.

BSN: What did Coach Verbanic say to you (as a team) prior to the State Championship, or was there a theme that preceded every game?

He made sure we all remembered how we felt to lose to Chantilly the year before in the final seconds of the Regional Championship. He also made sure that we left everything on the field. Even if we didn't win, if we could look ourselves in the mirror after the game and say we gave everything we had, then that was good enough for him.

BSN: You play baseball as well, what are your goals for this spring?

Right now I am not sure if I am going to play baseball yet. College coaches have come in and expressed to me that I need to gain a little weight. So, I may devote my entire winter and spring to getting bigger for college. At the same time I still might play baseball. It is my senior season and I think in the long run I will regret not playing.

BSN: Johnny, we cannot thank you enough for taking time out of your schedule to spend some time with us and we wish you the best of luck as you finish your high school career..

You are so welcome and thank you so much.