Preparation helped Johnson surpass own expectations
By Danny Shapiro | BeaumontEnterprise.com
Updated 2:17 pm CST, Tuesday, December 19, 2017
It was going to take something special for Port Neches-Groves quarterback Roschon Johnson to improve on his standout sophomore season.
Johnson came up with that something – more than 4,500 yards of total offense and 65 touchdowns as a junior – to earn Super Gold Offensive Player of the Year presented by Mid County Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat.
“The results you see on Friday nights are because of how I practiced throughout the week,” Johnson said.
“You’ve got to prepare like you’ll do well, and I did that this season.”
Port Neches-Groves went 10-2 and earned a share of the District 22-5A title for the third year in a row behind the right arm and legs of Johnson.
He passed for 2,918 yards and rushed for 1,627 yards despite not playing a full regular season schedule because of Tropical Storm Harvey.
Johnson, who is committed to the University of Texas, had at least five touchdowns in 10 of the Indians’ 12 games, including a career-best 10 touchdowns against Crosby.
Starting quickly, Johnson had 416 yards (342 passing) and six touchdowns in the season-opener against Baytown Sterling.
District wins over Lumberton, Livingston and Baytown Lee set up an undefeated matchup against Port Arthur Memorial.
Johnson helped the Indians overcome a 16-point halftime deficit to defeat the Titans, 44-36.
He was used all over the field in that win, throwing for two touchdowns, rushing for two touchdowns and even catching a 43-yard touchdown pass.
Port Neches-Groves’ only regular-season loss came to Nederland in the final game, in which Johnson still rushed for 292 yards and five touchdowns.
“I think my favorite win this season was the Port Arthur Memorial one,” Johnson said. “Port Arthur’s my hometown and that wasn’t an easy game.”
Johnson saved his best performance for the playoffs.
The junior was unstoppable against Crosby, passing for 302 yards and five touchdowns and rushing for 254 yards and five touchdowns in an epic 72-69 victory.
Johnson’s heroics against Crosby paved the way for PN-G to advance to the Class 5A regional quarterfinals for the second-straight season, where the Indians lost to College Station.
With another season of high school football left, there’s no telling what else Johnson can achieve.
“I just put God first and my parents keep me straight,” Johnson said. “They’re the reasons for the success I’m having.”
