CLEVELAND -- While freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson was having his coming out party for Gainesville, senior all-state linebacker A.J. Johnson had a few surprises of his own Friday night against White County.
Johnson, a projected Division I prospect at linebacker, sealed a nail-biting finish for the Elephants with a touchdown in the final minutes of a 31-22 win over the Warriors on the road. The surprise was the Johnson scored the clinching touchdown while leading the Elephants' version of the Wildcat offense.
"It was something we had practiced this week after (A.J.) came to us and said he wanted to be a part of the offense if it could help us win," Gainesville coach Bruce Miller said. "He gave us a big spark at the end of the game."
Johnson's efforts (59 yards on six rushes) came after White County had whittled down a 19-7 Gainesville lead to 25-22 midway through the fourth quarter.
Watson, meanwhile, put Gainesville in the position to win the game in the first half picking apart the White County secondary for 250 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for one score.
"watson is a team player," Miller said. "He really showed what he can do but he is still learning as he goes. He could be real special if he continues to improve."
But for all the good work by Watson and Johnson, the Elephants looked in trouble early. Gainesville fumbled the opening kickoff and White County's Cole Segraves connected with brother Cam on a 15-yard TD pass on the fifth play of the game for a quick 7-0 lead.
The Elephants would answer when Watson connected with Keyontra Harrison on a 65-yard screen pass to tie the game at 7-7. The turning point of the game came 10 seconds later on the ensuing kickoff when the Warriors fumbled the kickoff and Johnson scooped up the ball and ran it in for a touchdown for a 13-7 Gainesville lead.
Watson capped the Elephants next drive with a 1-yard TD run set up by a 52-yard pass to Michael Lorentz.
Sunday
May 19th, 2024
3:54AM
