PN-G secures playoff berth with win vs. Central
By Danny Shapiro | Beaumont Enterprise
Updated 10:49 pm, Thursday, October 26, 2017
Behind Roschon Johnson’s five touchdowns, Port Neches-Groves became the first Southeast Texas team to qualify for the playoffs with a 62-27 victory over Central on Thursday at the Thomas Center.
The Indians can clinch a share of the District 22-5A title with a win over Ozen in their home finale next Friday.
Johnson had 172 passing yards and 57 rushing yards in the victory.
Central, led by running back Theodrick Foster’s 114 rushing yards, fell into fifth place in the district with the loss.
TURNING POINT
The Jaguars put themselves in a hole with early mistakes.
Indians’ receiver Preston Riggs returned the opening kick to the Central 20-yard line and PN-G scored in two plays.
Central’s opening drive was felled when quarterback Matthew Phoenix threw an interception to Tyler Jackson, who returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.
Phoenix threw an interception on Central’s next drive that led to another PN-G touchdown.
By the end of the first quarter, the Indians led Central, 20-0.
WHAT STOOD OUT
Only two teams have a chance to end PN-G’s first perfect regular season since 2009 and it will take an overwhelming defensive effort to do so.
Central entered allowing just 12.3 points per game in its three previous district games.
The Indians compiled 338 yards – 172 through the air and 166 on the ground.
PN-G had scoring plays of 65 and 37 yards and the 62 points scored was the most for the school since 1996.
BY THE NUMBERS
Riggs had 77 receiving yards and two touchdowns while Preston Hughes added yards and a touchdown.
Central rushed for 221 yards, including 165 in the first half.
Jaguars running back Michael Corbin had 66 rushing yards while Phoenix rushed for 42 yards, threw for 45 yards and four interceptions.
PN-G had 21 first downs compared to Central’s 11.
Central was penalized 9 times for 85 yards. PN-G was penalized 5 times for 48 yards.
RECORDS
Port Neches-Groves (7-0, 6-0); Central (3-3, 3-3)
UP NEXT
Port Neches-Groves hosts Ozen; Central plays at Livingston
