Johnson Central

 

Can Johnson Central get past the regional championship? For four straight years (2007-2011) the Johnson Central Golden Eagles have made it to the regional championship and the result has been the same, they have lost. From 2008-2011 Johnson Central has lost the regional championship to Highlands who would go on to win Class 4A State Title. 2007 Johnson Central lost the regional championship to Lincoln County, who would go on to lose in the semi-finals to eventual state champions, Highlands. The past two years, Johnson Central has lost in the second round. 2011 Johnson Central lost to Highlands 67-20, In 2012 Johnson Central lost to Covington Catholic 45-15 in the second round.

 

Johnson Central returns 8 starters on offense and 5 starters on defense. The offense will be led by senior QB Zach Gound,senior tailback Jordan Young,senior fullback Josh Dillion,and junior tailback Damion Belcher. The offensive line returns three starters anchored by four year starter Quade Ward and three year starter Chris Neice. Junior center Zach Salyer also looks to have a strong year following a promising sophomore season. Leading receiver Dalton Adkins also returns. On the defensive side of the ball Johnson Central will have to replace four starters on their front line. Leading the defense will be senior linebacker Brad Auxier,senior defensive end Quade Ward, and junior corner back JP Gound.

 

In 2012 Johnson Central had 5 of their 12 games where teams had 20+ points, the other 7 were less than 20. In those 5 games, Johnson Central went 3-2 in the other 7 games, Johnson Central went 6-1.

 

On the schedule front: Johnson Central opens the season on August 30 at home hosting Holy Trinity, Ontario Canada. After that Johnson Central will be home for 4 straight games: Johnson Central will host Perry County Central on September 13, Johnson Central will host Harlan County on September 27, Johnson Central will then start district play at home on September 27 hosting Boyd County. Johnson Central will step away from district play and Kentucky play, as they will be traveling to Ohio to take on Ohio Powerhouse, Ironton on October 4. Johnson Central will resume district play on October 11 as they will be traveling to Greenup County, Johnson Central will be home for the final regular season home game of 2013 as they will be hosting district opponent Rowan County on October 18. Johnson Central will travel to Ashland to take on district opponent in the final regular season district game as they will be taking on Ashland Blazer on October 25. Johnson Central will end the season on the road traveling to Belfry to take on the Belfry Pirates on November 1.

 

Johnson Central is still looking for a 10th game, may end up playing a 9 game schedule if they can't find any takers for the 10th game.

 

In case anyone is wondering, Johnson Central is 2-0 against Canada teams. 2007 Johnson Central beat St. Thomas More Canada 49-13. In 2011, Johnson Central defeated More Catholic Canada 64-24. Against Out of state opponents, Johnson Central is 12-3 (10-1 since Jim Matney took over back in 2004).

 

This time of the year everyone gets excited, not only Johnson Central fans, but fans throughout the Commonwealth as it’s Football Season in the Bluegrass. Football seems to be the sport that everyone loves, with that being said, the big question Johnson Central fans ask themselves, is “Will this be the year, that we finally win a regional championship and knock off Highlands?”

 

 

Players to watch:

 

Zach Ground (SR. QB/DB). In 2011, Zach passed for 337 yards and 4 touchdowns while rushing for 118 yards and 5 touchdowns. Zach is a nice athlete. Has nice arm, good legs. His rushing totals will rise in 2013.

 

Josh Dillion (SR. RB, FB/ LB). In 2011 Josh ran for 563 yards and 7 touchdowns as a Sophomore. In 2013 Josh will be one of the top running backs for Johnson Central. He’s a nice athlete who knows how to get it done on the ground.

 

Damion Belcher (JR. RB/LB). In 2011 Damion rushed for 225 yards and 4 touchdowns. Much like Dillion, Damion is another nice athlete who when the coach calls on his name, he gets the job done.

So still just nine games?

So still just nine games?

 

 

They had 10 games, but one team dropped JC because they picked up another game. I forgot the team they had scheduled

They had 10 games, but one team dropped JC because they picked up another game. I forgot the team they had scheduled

Sheldon Clark was there 10th game. Not heard of any potential replacement games as of yet.