By Danny Shapiro | Beaumont Enterprise
Updated 7:42 pm, Saturday, November 25, 2017
After a record-setting performance a week ago, it was optimistic to think Roschon Johnson could duplicate the performance against Texas City.
Johnson, in fact, couldn’t provide an encore but did enough to lead Port Neches-Groves to the Class 5A regional semifinals.
The junior quarterback totaled 245 yards as the Indians outlasted Texas City, 24-17, in the area round on Friday at NRG Stadium.
The Stings looked like they were going to tie the game with under four minutes left but Jonathan Jones fumbled on his way into the end zone.
The Indians recovered and Johnson rushed for two first downs to ice the game and give them back-to-back 10-win seasons.
“Our defense made a play at the end of the game and we were able to pull it out,” Indians coach Brandon Faircloth said. “I’m excited for our kids.”
TURNING POINT
Jones’ fumble proved to be the difference in a tightly-contested, defensive-dominated game.
The Indians led, 17-3, midway through the third quarter but allowed a pair of touchdowns to surrender the 14-point lead.
Zion Davis’ 82-yard run pulled the Stings within 17-10 then Jo’Vel McDaniel’s 18-yard touchdown run evened the score with 9:04 remaining.
Johnson led the Indians on a three-minute touchdown drive shortly after which proved to be the game winner.
Backup running back Jose Ceja, in for the injured Gavin Deslatte, scored from 18 yards out with 5:50 for the game-winning score.
WHAT HAPPENED
PN-G’s offense wasn’t as crisp as it has been all season.
The 24 points was the lowest total all season and just the second time all season the Indians scored under 40 points.
The Indians lost the other game it didn’t score 40 points – 36-35 to rival Nederland.
PN-G receivers dropped multiple passes and couldn’t find a rhythm like they did a week ago against Crosby.
Thankfully, the Indians’ defense improved from the Crosby win and kept the team in the game.
The defense forced two turnovers – including the one on Texas City’s final drive – and allowed just 14 first downs.
BY THE NUMBERS
Port Neches-Groves outgained Texas City 350 to 349.
Before leaving with an injury in the fourth quarter, Deslatte rushed for 58 yards.
Preston Riggs led all Indians receivers with 49 yards and caught Johnson’s only touchdown – a 19-yard pass on 3rd-and-goal.
Texas City had four players rush for at least 30 yards, led by 80 yards from both Jones and Davis.
PN-G was 8-of-13 on third downs while Texas City finished 6-of-12.
HE SAID IT
“The fans are getting their money’s worth for the tickets,” Faircloth said. “Last week it was an offensive game and this week it was a defensive game. I’m really proud of our defense.”
RECORDS
Port Neches Groves (10-1); Texas City (5-6)
