By Zachary Cohen | Sports Editor
A date that will go down in Johnson High School football infamy, October 29, 2010 marked the Jags’ very first victory over Reagan High School. In a night that was three years in the making, Johnson finally achieved the win they’ve been dreaming of since the establishment of the athletic program back in 2008. With the victory, not only did Johnson improve their season win total to three, but they also knocked the Rattlers out of the playoffs.
“We brought Reagan down with us!” junior offensive lineman Austin Carson said.
The Jags got off to a rocky start, giving up a touchdown around the halfway mark of the first quarter. However, the Jags kept their chin up and fired back with a touchdown of their own when junior Colby Donohue caught a 14-yard pass from junior quarterback Cohner Mokry, tying the game at seven. The second quarter was similar to the first in that Reagan scored first with the Jags answering back right after. The Jags tied it up at 14 after Cohner Mokry hooked up with Junior Sean Stier for a 46-yard score at the 5:48 mark in the second quarter. Johnson wasn’t done scoring just yet; with just under two minutes left in the first half, senior Zach Prevost scored on a 24-yard run giving the Jags a one-touchdown lead going into the half.
Last week, the Jags took the lead into halftime, but were unable to carry the momentum over into the second half. This week played out differently as the Jags took the lead into the third quarter and never looked back. The Jags added to their lead when Cohner Mokry threw a 60-yard bomb to senior Trey Garcia giving Johnson a 14-point lead as the Jag bench threw up four fingers, signifying the fourth quarter was approaching.
In recent weeks, the Jags have had two good quarters but have been unable to follow it up with a strong finish. Again, a great contrast was struck, as the Jag defense held strong despite giving up an 18-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. They were able to hold on and preserve the lead with valiant effort from the likes of senior defenders Garrett Blucher and Michael Dell, among others.
As the clock struck zero, the west side of Heroes Stadium erupted with shouts and cheers from parents and students alike. The whole Johnson bench stormed the field in celebration with a side of elation.
“Great game tonight, boys! It was a pleasure!” said senior linebacker Garrett Blucher after the game.
The Jags look to end the season on a positive note next week as they conclude their 2010 season against 26-5A opponent Lee High School. The game will take place at Comalander Stadium with a scheduled start time of 7:30 p.m.
