By Danny Shapiro/Beaumont Enterprise
Updated 1:11 am, Saturday, August 27, 2016
The post-Adam Morse era is off to a good start for Port Neches-Groves.
Sophomore quarterback Roschon Johnson recorded five touchdowns – all in the first half – in his first-career start as the Indians defeated Silsbee 54-27 Friday at Indian Stadium.
“Roschon is a collection of our offense being on the same page,” Indians coach Brandon Faircloth said. “He obviously can make some plays and it was fun to watch tonight.”
Johnson threw for 151 yards and rushed for 73 yards while junior running back Preston Hughes added 164 yards and two touchdowns.
The Indians outgained the Tigers 443 to 271.
“It was a great first game for us,” Faircloth said. “We obviously have some mistakes that we need to clean up but I’m proud of our effort.”
Senior running back Calvin Tyler Jr. led the Tigers with 179 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
TURNING POINT
With Port Neches-Groves up 19-8 with just under four minutes left in the first half, the Indians’ defense stopped Silsbee senior quarterback Willie Jones on fourth-and-short. Johnson threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to junior running backPreston Riggs on the next play to extend the lead to 25-8.
WHAT STOOD OUT
The Indians’ defense was stout on short-yardage situations all game. The Indians stopped Silsbee on fourth down three times.
“I’m proud of our kids for playing all four downs,” Faircloth said. “Our guys rose to the occasion when they needed to.”
BY THE NUMBERS
The Indians managed 22 first downs to the Tigers’ 14. Both teams were penalized heavily, combining for 159 penalty yards. Jones, in his first start at Silsbee, had just 56 total yards (36 passing, 20 rushing).
HE SAID IT
“I was a little nervous before the game,” Johnson said. “Once the game started and we got into a rhythm, I settled down.”
RECORDS
Silsbee 0-1, Port Neches-Groves 1-0
