07 Oct 24 – The Dragons (4-2) welcomed the Rams of Southeast (3-3) into Dragon Stadium Friday evening, decided by halftime with a final score of 34-0.
The Johnston student section roared as the Dragons opened up the game with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown by senior Vincent Peterson. Ian Yates PAT was good and just 13 seconds, and on the first play of the game, the Dragons saw themselves holding an early 7-0 lead against the back-to-back-to-back 5A state champions.
On a 3rd and three, senior QB Will Nuss broke free and saw daylight, scrambling for a 79-yard touchdown. No PAT was attempted due to a miscommunication with the snapper.
“I just saw open grass [and] I just tried to run as fast as I can, great block from Tino, he’s the one that made that touchdown [possible] so shout out to him,” Nuss said.
The Dragons continued to dominate the Rams in the first half, and senior RB D’Angelo Barkue rushed his way into the end zone for a six-yard rushing touchdown. Yates’ PAT was good enough to make it 20-0
Johnston senior Andrew Kallen picked off Rams QB Holden Hansen and took to the crib for a 32-yard touchdown. Yates PAT was good to make it 27-0 heading into halftime.
Nuss connected with senior WR Nathan King for a 37-yard touchdown reception in the 3rd quarter. Yates once again made his PAT to make it 34-0 to seal the upset win and a statement win for the Dragons. They improved their record to 4-2 overall and 4-1 in CIML conference play.
“I’m very excited for our kids, it was a full team effort, offense, defense, special teams we scored on a kick return to start the game [and] I think it set a tone to state the game and then a pick six before the half was another big touchdown. It’s been an awesome year, our dragons and our student section and the crowd bring a lot of energy for our kids and it makes it exciting to play football out here,” said head coach Brian Woodley.
View post game interview with HC Brain Woodley, senior QB Will Nuss and sophomore DB Bryce Beachem
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