Game Notes:

The Trojans resumed a classic rivalry with the East Laurens Falcons with a thrilling 21-14 win on a hot, humid Thursday night in Wrightsville. Unlike last week, where offense was the name of the game, this week was a defensive battle that resulted with JOCO receiving a “Border War” trophy and taking a 26-17 lead in the overall series, which had been dormant for the previous four years.

 

The Trojans jumped to an early 14-0 lead in the 1st half as Bran Rawlings (#9, JR) ran for a three yard scamper and hauled in a beautiful 46 yard pass from Brooks Norton (#8, JR). Things were looking great for the Trojans, but East Laurens did not back down, as the Falcons went on a drive to end the half, with former Trojan Dylan Hall scoring on a 14 yard run with 15 seconds left in the half. The Trojans would go to the half with a 14-7 lead.

 

The defenses prevailed in the 3rd quarter, and defense was the result of the next touchdown, a pick six interception return for the Trojans by none other than Rawlings. Johnson County took a commanding 21-7 lead late in the 4th quarter after the defensive touchdown, and although Hall put the Falcons on the board once again with a 35 yard pass caught by Cuyler Morris, it was not enough as Johnson County was able to recover the onside kick ad run out the clock.

 

Brooks Norton once again had a solid night through the air, as he was 10-14 with 160 yards and a TD alongside 1 interception. Malik Pierce (#13, SR) led in rushing as he had 13 carries for 73 yards. Rawlings’ impact was seen all over the field, as he finished with 49 rushing yards on 10 carries, 120 receiving yards and on 6 receptions, and was responsible for all three Trojan touchdowns.  Defensive stats for the Trojans included leading tackler Ran Norris (#10, JR) with 10 tackles, forced fumbles by Jefforice Davis (#1, SO) and Tyrik Jackson (#34, SR), and fumble recoveries by Cade Hall (#56, SR) and Jaylen Hines (#59, SR).

 

The Trojans are now 2-0 (1-0 Region). Next week the Trojans will be back on a normal schedule, as they will host AAA team Groves out of Savannah Friday, September 2 at Herschel Walker Field. Once again, kickoff will be at 7:30 PM. Come out and kick off Labor Day weekend with a JOCO appetizer before all the great college games on Saturday! However, if you can’t make the game, it will once again be available on USTREAM.

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