Defense Dominates as Johnston Cruises to Big Win Going Into Playoff Season

Johnston improves to 5-4 on the season with a resounding 48-13 victory over Sioux City East.

Defense Dominates

The Dragon defense is what gives this team great potential going into playoff time. The starters hold the Sioux City East offense scoreless (all points coming when the majority of the second unit was playing), and controlled the line of scrimmage the entire game. Three huge 2nd half turnovers helped the Dragons put this game out of reach, even turning one turnover into a pick six. The defense gave the offense great field position all night, leading to a huge team win.

Offense Does Their Job

Johnston's offense is at their best when they take what the defense gives them and they piece together long, double digit play drives. With a consistent rushing attack, Johnston fully controlled the time of possession, wearing down Sioux City East's defense while also giving their defense plenty of rest on the sideline. The Dragon's had 0 turnovers for only the second time this season, which is what will really decide how far this team can go in the 2023 5A playoffs. On the season, the Dragons are 3-0 when they win the turnover battle, 2-2 when they tie the turnover battle, and 0-2 when they lose the turnover battle. If the Dragons can win the turnover battle next week, watch out for the Dragons as a team that can pull off an upset or two and potentially find their way back to the UNI Dome this season.

Special Teams Adds the Play of the Game

Directly after Sioux City East scored for the first time late in the 3rd quarter, Johnston steals momentum right back with the play of the game. On the kickoff following the Sioux City East touchdown, senior Taye Proctor returns it 97 yards to the house, extending the Johnston lead to 41-6.

Player of the Game

Johnston's player of the game on Friday night was senior defensive linemen Josh Kerber. A linebacker, converted to defensive tackle, Kerber knows how to find himself around the ball on a lot of plays. Kerber finished the game with 1 TKL, 1 PBU, 1 FF, 1 FR, and 4 QB Pressures. Both fumble plays were crucial 3rd quarter plays that led to the Johnston offense extending their lead.

Johnston is the 10 seed in the 2023 5A football playoffs. They will play #7 Ankeny next Friday at Ankeny Stadium to decide who gets a quarterfinal birth.