JOHNSON'S 3 TDS LIFT CATHOLIC

Junior tailback Sammy Johnson ran 27 times for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns and had a long scoring reception in Little Rock Catholic's 46-34 victory over Little Rock Central in 7A-Central action Friday night at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The Rockets (4-6, 2-5 7A-Central) never trailed in the season finale for both teams, but needed a 13-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Jake James to senior tight end Adam Shepherd with 2:40 remaining in the game to set the final and subdue the pass-happy Tigers (2-8, 1-6). Johnson's second and third carries of the game resulted in touchdowns of 11 and 80 yards in the first quarter. Johnson's 9-yard touchdown run with 9:17 remaining in the third quarter broke a 20-20 halftime tie. He gave the Rockets the lead for good, 33-27, with a 67-yard touchdown reception from James with 2:39 remaining in the third quarter. "He's a phenomenal back," Tigers Coach Ellis "Scooter" Register said. "He's so elusive and strong." Central senior quarterback Jacob Howard completed 29 of 56 passes for 381 yards and 3 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Donald Richardson caught 12 passes for 134 yards and a 10-yard touchdown for a 27-27 tie with 5:56 remaining in the third quarter. The Tigers were within 40-34 after Richardson, on a trick play, threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Howard with 9:44 remaining in the game. Central junior wide receiver Demarcus Yancy caught 9 passes for 197 yards and 2 first-half touchdowns (24 and 44 yards). Junior tailback Keylin Holloway ran 16 times for 74 yards and a 6-yard touchdown with 3:41 remaining in the first half. Holloway's touchdown run made it 20-20 at halftime. The Tigers finished with 519 total yards. James completed 8 of 20 passes for 139 yards and 4 touchdowns. His 2-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver William Plafcan gave Catholic a 20-13 lead with 7:09 remaining in the first half. James also threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Shepherd for a 40-27 lead with 32 seconds remaining in the third quarter. "Had some big plays, a couple of big pass plays," Catholic Coach John Fogleman said. "Did just enough in the running game and didn't turn the ball over." The Rockets finished with 364 total yards.

Central High School Athletics

JOHNSON'S 3 TDS LIFT CATHOLIC

Photo Credit: Central Athletics