November 01 2024
The Johnston Dragons (7-2) hosted Waterloo West (6-3) Friday in the round of 16 in the IHSAA State Playoffs.
After ending the season with a 6 game winning streak and playing their best football as of late, the Dragons welcomed the WaHawks of Waterloo West following a win against Ottumwa. The Dragons offense started slow but ended the first quarter with bang when senior quarterback Will Nuss connected with senior wide receiver Vincent Peterson making it 6-0. Ian Yates PAT (his Point after touchdown) to make it 7-0 Johnston.
Senior running back D’Angelo Barkue rushed his way into the end zone to make the score 13-0. Ian Yates PAT was good to make it 14-0 Johnston. Will Nuss once again found Vincent Peterson for a 40-yard touchdown reception making it 20-0. Ian Yates PAT was good to make it 21-0 Johnston. Sophomore running back Emri Jones found his way into the end zone to pad the Johnston lead to four possession game to make it 27-0. Ian Yates PAT was once again successful making it 28-0 Johnston. Late in the second quarter, Will Nuss connected with senior wide receiver Nate King for a 37-yard touchdown reception. Ian Yates PAT was good as the Dragons held a strong lead at halftime (35-0).
With around four minutes left in the third quarter, the WaHawks had the ball deep in the Dragons red zone. Senior WaHawks quarterback Brady Dean connected with senior wide receiver Nathanael Kline for a 20-yard touchdown reception to make it 35-6. Alen Dedic PAT was good to make it 35-7 Dragons. Will Nuss connected with sophomore wide receiver Bryce Beachem for a 39-yard touchdown reception to make it 41-7. Ian Yates PAT was once again good, extending the Dragons huge lead to 42-14.
With roughly eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, Johnston running back J’chaun Townsend rushed his way into the end zone for a 10-yard rushing touchdown to make it 48-14. Ian Yates PAT was good to make it 49-14 Dragons and wrapped up the scoring in this one sided affair. The Dragons head to Valley Stadium Friday with a chance to punch a ticket back to the UNI Dome. Valley Beat Johnston in there regular season match up with a final score of 34-24.
