By David Thompson | BeaumontEnterprise.com
Updated 12:26 am, Saturday, November 5, 2016
The long wait is over for Port Neches-Groves and they have a sophomore to thank for it.
Quarterback Roschon Johnson became the fourth player in school history to rush for six touchdowns as PN-G defeated Nederland 41-21 at Indian Stadium Friday for the first time since 2009.
The loss, plus Ozen’s 40-41 loss to Livingston means the Bulldogs will not qualify for the 22-5A playoffs.
WHAT HAPPENED
Johnson’s performance put him into an elite category with former PN-G players Jeff Bergeron, Ron McGill and Lyman Bernard in his first appearance at the annual Mid-County Madness rivalry.
Johnson scored all of the Indians’ points, including 28 in the second half on runs 70, 2, 16 and 8 to turn a 21-20 third quarter deficit into a 20-point win.
Nederland only trailed 27-21 midway through the fourth quarter, but back-to-back interceptions from junior defensive back Austin Bost set up Johnson’s final two touchdowns.
The win, paired with a Memorial loss to Vidor, gave
the Indians a share of the District 22-5A title.
They’ll face Barbers Hill in the first round of the playoffs next week. Nederland missed the playoffs for only the second time since 1995 after
Livingston defeated Ozen 41-40, allowing Central to sneak in as the district’s fourth seed. It’s only the fourth time Nederland has not made the playoffs under head coach Larry Neumann.
TURNING POINT
Nederland took a 21-13 lead with 4:05 left in the third quarter on a 25-yard flea flicker pass from quarterback Marshall Lange to running back Sean Nguyen.
On the ensuing drive, Johnson took the first play from scrimmage 70 yards down the right sideline for a score. PN-G took the lead for good on their next possession as Johnson punched in his fourth score of the game from two yards out with 43 seconds left in the quarter.
WHAT STOOD OUT
Johnson, the District 22-5A leader in passing yards, was held to eight yards on 1-of-6 passing in the first half but rushed for two touchdowns of 26 and 12 yards. Junior running back Preston Hughes left the game midway through the second quarter and did not return after rushing for six yards on four carries.
Lange completed six straight passes to end the first half, finishing 8-of-10 for 87 yards as Simmons scored twice to give Nederland a 14-13 halftime lead. Simmons was hampered with an injury in the second half and only rushed the ball once. He finished with 15 carries for 68 yards on the night.
BY THE NUMBERS
Johnson finished with 246 yards rushing on 30 carries while completing 4-of-9 passes for 63 yards. Johnson’s favorite target was senior Keynel McZeal, who hauled in three catches for 55 yards. Lange finished 13-of-22 for 152 and a touchdown, but threw two fourth quarter interceptions. Dean Fischer led Nederland with five catches for 68 yards.
THEY SAID IT
“This meant the world to me,” said Johnson, who was mobbed by fans as the team celebrated on the 50-yard-line. “We had to come out and get this win for the seniors. I just went out and executed tonight. I just went out here to win.”
RECORDS
Port Neches-Groves (9-1, 7-1) ; Nederland (5-5, 4-4).
