by Ronnie Hughes | Vype.com
Oct 27, 2018
The league standings got a little more defined for district 12-5A-D2, Friday night, with Santa Fe taking a 47-19 beating from Port Neches-Groves at ‘The Reservation. The win keeps PN-G perfect in league play and secures them one of the top four post season spots, but despite the loss Santa Fe may just slip into the post season as well with Barbers Hill handing Crosby another loss.
It was a battle of Indians, Friday, but only one team had the University of Texas commit, Roschon Johnson on their team. Johnson took over the game from the moment he stepped on the field leading PN-G to the blowout win. It took Johnson and company just about three minutes to find the end-zone following a defensive stop that put PN-G near midfield. Johnson hit Tyler Pippin across the middle for a 33 yard touchdown pass to put PN-G up, 7-0, with just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Santa Fe and quarterback, Nathan Kruger, took just over a minute to answer back. A big pass down the sideline to Austin Lamb set Santa Fe up inside the PN-G ten yard line. Moments later, Bryce Montemayor, slipped in from three yards out to tie the game at seven with five minute remaining in the first quarter. On the ensuing PN-G possession Santa Fe intercepted, Johnson, for a pick six from 25 yards out. After a missed extra-point attempt Santa Fe led, 13-7, but the lead was short lived. It took PN-G just 43 seconds to march the field and recapture the lead with Johnson sprinting around the right side on keeper to boost PN-G to a 14-13 lead. PN-G extended the lead to, 21-13, as time expired in the first quarter with a 56 yard touchdown run by DeDe.
The PN-G defense gave the Santa Fe offense fits all night; stuffing the run and smothering anything through the air. The big defensive efforts gave way for the offense to take over with excellent field position through out the game. Following a three-and-out by Santa Fe, Johnson led another scoring drive for PN-G. He’d hook up with Pippin again on a a short nine yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end-zone. The PN-G defense would come up big on the next Santa Fe series with a scoop and score on a Santa Fe fumble on their second play of the series. PN-G led, 35-13, with over three minutes remaining in the first half. Johnson would cap off an excellent first half of play with his third passing touchdown of the night. He’d find Jose Cejas from 11 yards out to put PN-G up, 41-13, at halftime.
Santa Fe opened the second half kicking to PN-G and forcing them to a quick three-and-out punting situation. The Santa Fe offense couldn’t get much going themselves and quickly returned the ball to PN-G, but pinning them deep in their own territory. The Santa Fe defense would pick up their second pick six of the night with Landry Thompson intercepting, Johnson, and returning it from near the 30 yard line for a touchdown. Santa Fe still trailed, 41-19, at the end of the third quarter leaving fans doubtful their Indians would rally. The Santa Fe defense held PN-G to just six points in the second half, but their usual offense was not producing much either. PN-G and Johnson had one more touchdown drive in them and the 70 yard drive was capped with a nine yard touchdown pass to Cade Billeaud. Johnson had four touchdowns on the night which overshadowed his two pick six interceptions.
The final two games of the regular season will be a tough one for PN-G as they will travel to Barbers Hill next week, but then clash with rival Nederland to end the season in the Mid-County game. Nederland is currently unbeaten on the season and sits on top of the league standings as the number one seed if the post season started next week. Santa Fe will get Dayton next week, but despite their winless season, Dayton, is no pushover as they almost knocked off PN-G in week eight. Santa Fe will end the regular season against Barbers Hill, but winning one of their final two should push Santa Fe into the post season.
