Johnston, IA – August 30, 2025

The Dragons welcomed the Warriors to Dragon Stadium to open the 2025 football season. Johnston won the coin toss but elected to defer and receive the ball at the start of the second half.

Johnston opened the scoring when junior QB Trevin Helming connected with junior WR Bryce Beachem for an 84-yard touchdown. Junior Ricky Solis-Downing’s PAT (point after touchdown) was successful, making it 7–0 Dragons. Waukee and Johnston traded drives, but both defenses stood tall as the Dragons carried a 7–0 lead into halftime. With roughly 6:50 left in the third quarter, Solis-Downing nailed a field goal to give the Dragons some insurance and extend the lead to 10–0. Waukee answered with a 42-yard field goal from senior kicker Wyatt Robinson to cut the deficit to 10–3. Another field goal from Solis-Downing rounded out the scoring and sealed a 13–3 Dragons victory. With the win, Johnston opened the season 1–0 and got off to a strong start in CIML conference play. The Dragons travel to Dowling this Friday for a pivotal CIML conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.