27 Aug 2024 501 Football Team 2024: Johnny Bell – Searcy

Johnny Bell is ready for his opportunity to lead the Searcy Lions at quarterback. 

“I had the pleasure of sitting behind all-state quarterback Tyler Strickland for the last two years,” he said. 

“While it was amazing getting to watch someone with that much talent, it was extremely frustrating to not receive the playing time I desired, and it really tested my love for the game. But I took the time to learn and feel very prepared for my senior year.

“There’s something to learn in every adversity you face on and off the field. Your difficulties are what set you apart.”

The Lions haven’t won a playoff game since winning a state title in 2019, but Bell believes Searcy has what it takes to find playoff success again this fall.

“Obviously, the goal every year is to win a whole lot of football games and put ourselves in a position to make a run in the playoffs,” he said. “We have a team that is absolutely capable, but we will have to play selfless football and care about each other and the team above anything else.”

Bell carries a GPA above 4.0, and that intelligence and work ethic translate onto the field for the Lions.

“Johnny is an outstanding leader,” Searcy Coach Zak Clark said. 

“Johnny is extremely intelligent and can tell everyone on the field what their assignment is. Johnny is poised to have an outstanding senior season. He is a big, physical kid with good accuracy.”