A Championship Legacy Continues: From Father to Son at Stratford Academy
December 19, 2025
A Championship Legacy Continues: From Father to Son at Stratford Academy
When Stratford Academy captured the 2025 GIAA Class AAAA State Football Championship, it marked another proud milestone in the school’s storied athletic history. But for the Stratford community, this championship carried a deeper meaning—one rooted in relationships, shared experiences, and a legacy that spans generations.
At the heart of that story stood Tucker Johnston, the Eagles’ starting quarterback during the 2025 championship run. More than two decades earlier, his father Kyle Johnston had been part of Stratford’s championship tradition—playing quarterback during the Eagles’ 2000 State Championship season and contributing to the program during its back-to-back title run in 1999 and 2000.
Building the Legacy: The Championship Years of 1999–2000
The 1999 team completed a perfect season under quarterback Tyler Flemming, culminating in a State Championship that rewarded years of perseverance by a senior class that had grown together through early struggles. That momentum carried into 2000, when Kyle Johnston took over at quarterback and Stratford once again battled through adversity to emerge as State Champions for a second consecutive year.
Those teams were defined by discipline, resilience, and a deeply rooted team-first mentality—values instilled by Head Coach Rodney Collins and reinforced by a faculty and coaching staff who invested in their players far beyond Friday nights. Many of those mentors remained part of the Stratford community long after those championship seasons. Even today, Coach David Bailey and Coach Walt Mays can still be found in the stands, faithfully coming out to watch Kyle’s boys play, a testament to the lasting bonds formed through the program.
Fast Forward to 2025
In 2025, those same values resurfaced—this time through the next generation.
As the Eagles advanced through the season and into championship contention, Tucker Johnston took the reins at quarterback, leading the team with composure and confidence. His brothers, Tate and Jett Johnston, also started alongside him, making the Johnston family presence on the field both rare and powerful.
Yet, to those in the stands, Kyle Johnston blended seamlessly into the Stratford community. A familiar face, always supportive, he was never one to draw attention to himself. In fact, as one longtime Stratford faculty member Terry Sowell reflected, “Someone who didn’t know Kyle would never know those three boys were his.”
Terry—who mentored Kyle as a student and later supervised him as an intern during his junior and senior years—shared this reflection:
“Kyle’s sons all play competitively, just like their dad, but they always put the team before self. As a fan, Kyle and his wife Christy cheer their boys on with humility. They care deeply for Stratford Academy and all children who attend. They are unwaveringly supportive of their children’s coaches and teachers, and that kind of support truly makes a difference in our football program and our school.”
A Family Invested in the Program
Kyle and Christy Johnston’s commitment to Stratford extends well beyond their own children. They are active, engaged parents who believe in the mission of the school and the importance of partnership between families, coaches, and faculty.
Kyle himself remained closely connected to the program—working the chains on Friday nights last season and watching proudly from the stands this year. His approach reflected the same humility and team-centered mindset that defined his playing days.
The Johnston family is also deeply grateful for the influence of fellow Stratford alumnus and parent volunteer Johnny Peterson ’81. Johnny coached Kyle in Stratford’s youth football program and later coached Kyle’s sons, providing continuity, mentorship, and support that has meant a great deal to the Johnston family across generations.
Shared Moments, Shared History
One of the most meaningful moments of the 2025 championship came when Kyle had the opportunity to share the celebration with former teammate John Eubanks. More than two decades after winning a State Championship together, they stood on the same field once again—this time watching John’s son, Jack Eubanks, contribute to the title-winning team.
It was a powerful reminder that Stratford football is about more than wins and trophies. It is about relationships that endure, traditions that are passed down, and a community that remains connected long after graduation.
One Program, One Standard
From the championship teams of 1999 and 2000 to the 2025 GIAA Class AAAA State Champions, Stratford Academy football continues to uphold a standard built on character, commitment, and community.
As Tucker Johnston helped lead the Eagles to another State Championship, he did more than add his name to the record books—he carried forward a legacy shaped by those who came before him and strengthened by those who continue to invest in the program today.
It is a legacy that reminds us all why, at Stratford Academy, it is always a great day to be an Eagle.
