West Des Moines, IA – September 5, 2025

Following an opening-week 13-3 win at home last weekend against the Waukee Warriors, the Dragons traveled to West Des Moines to face off against the #4-ranked Dowling Catholic Maroons, who entered the matchup after a narrow 20-19 loss to the #3-ranked Valley Tigers.

Junior kicker Ricky Solis-Downing opened the scoring for Johnston with a 21-yard field goal to make it 3-0 Dragons. Dowling responded with two consecutive touchdowns to take a 14-3 lead into halftime. The Maroons continued to apply pressure and overwhelm the Dragon defense, extending the score to 28-3. The Dragons’ offense finally broke through late in the third quarter when QB Trevin Helming connected with senior WR Tino Daye to cut the lead to 28-9. Solis-Downing’s PAT was good, making it 28-10. A late field goal from Dowling senior Ryan Kuhn wrapped up the scoring and sealed a 31-10 victory for the #4-ranked Maroons.

The Dragons continue their two-game road trip this Friday as they travel to Ames to face the 0-2 Little Cyclones. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Ames High School.