Johnson lassos Odessa in weather shortened game

Johnson needed to show up for only one half to defeat Odessa on Friday at Heroes Stadium.

Led by Jaguars senior quarterback Elvis Estrada and a stout defense, Johnson (2-0), ranked No. 1 by the Express-News and No. 6 in the Class 6A poll, rolled up 28 points in the second quarter on its way to a 37-0 win over Odessa in a game that was called off after halftime due to severe weather.

It was the second time this season severe weather shortened a game Johnson was playing in. Its season opener two weeks ago against Judson, also played at Heroes Stadium, was canceled in the middle of the first quarter after a storm knocked out power to the stadium.

Unlike its season opener, Johnson was able to get in one full half of play and it made good use of it, with Estrada passing for an efficient 12-of-15 passing for 190 yards and one score, and the defensive unit shut down Odessa (2-1), holding the Bronchos to 36 total yards.

Even though Johnson had a commanding lead at halftime, Johnson coach TP Miller pointed out the early mistakes his team made on two of its early drives in the first half, a bad snap which ruined a field goal attempt and a fumble in the red zone which stopped a potential scoring drive.

"We had some stern talking during the halftime about the self-inflicted wounds we did and uncharacteristic mistakes first half," Miller said. "With that, it was a growth moment, it was a learning moment coming from a big win last week (a 38-7 win over Austin Vandegrift) and then going into this game. So, we just got to be patient and continue to strive to do better every week."

Johnson got off to an uneven start, as two of its first three drives ended in mistakes, a bad snap that ruined a field goal attempt and a fumble in the red zone. In between those ill-fated drives, Noah Cartright scored on an 11-yard run with 3:45 in the first quarter for a 7-0 Johnson lead.

The Jaguars picked up a safety late in the opening quarter when Matthew Paris sacked Odessa quarterback Phillip Carrasco in the end zone, extending Johnson's lead to 9-0. It was one of two sacks for Paris in the game.

Johnson started rolling in the second quarter, with Jeremiah Johnson scoring on a 14-yard run on the first play of the frame. Then the Jaguars' special teams came up with two scores, on a thrilling 68-yard punt return from Braelyn Allen and 31-yard return from Eli McNeil off a blocked punt. Allen scored one more time on a 50-yard scoring pass from Estrada, with 1:17 left in the first half, before the storm rolled in at halftime.

"The game has slowed down for Elvis (Estrada)," Miller said. "I think it's credit to his hard work. Starting off as a sophomore and then as a junior, I think under his belt I think we've only lost two or three games, compared to our 20 wins as well. It's just experience. He's doing a heck of a job leading the offense and credit to his offensive line and running backs and everybody else. It's really a group effort."

With its dominance for one half over Odessa, Miller said the Johnson defensive unit has shown improvement every week.

"I love how they're running to the ball," Miller said. "Every week our tackling is getting better. But one thing that we have learned is we're an aggressive defense. We're going to apply pressure and we're going to cover well and make plays. So, I really love how (defensive coordinator Michael Mull) and our coaching staff and our players have really grown into this style of defense."

Players from both teams had just come out onto the field after halftime before game officials decided to suspend the game because of lightning. After an hour delay, the game was called off with Johnson being awarded the win.

Johnson has an upcoming bye week, which will give it time to rest up and watch game film on its next opponent, a LEE squad which is off to a surprising 3-0 start after a 16-3 win over MacArthur on Thursday. Johnson and LEE kick off District 28-6A action on Sept. 24 at Comalander Stadium.