Knights still defensive about playoffs

OAKWOOD - Johnson football coach Blair Armstrong said they will not change what got the Knights into the first round of the Class AAA playoffs.

The Knights (8-2) will travel to Cartersville Friday night to play the Class AAA No. 7-ranked Purple Hurricanes (9-1).

An aggressive, swarming defense has dominated virtually every opponent they played this year, pitching five shut outs and even holding powerful Gainesville to zero points in the second half of a 21-7 loss.

But that same style also lead to quick scores by Gainesville and a 47-0 loss to North Hall in a game that snowballed on them.

Armstrong said being aggressive is who they are and how they are successful.

"That's the way we play. We've been hurt a few times on big plays but it's also the reason we're where we are right now," he said. "Changing now would not help us win. Actually, I'm hoping we're going to be more aggressive in the playoffs than we have been in the regular season."

Cartersville is an offensive powerhouse scoring less than 25 points just twice - 16 in a win over No. 8 Stephens County and 17 in a 20-17, double overtime loss to No. 4 LaGrange. The Purple Hurricanes are averaging 29.9 points a game.

But the Johnson defense is as stout as the Cartersville offense is potent. The Knights are allowing just 11 points a game. Take out the North Hall game and its just 6.4 points a game.

Linebackers Trey Bell, Shawn Archer and Cardy McKensey, defensive end Jonathan Stockwell, and cornerback Chris Garner and safety Marqise Wright lead the defense.

Bell has nearly 100 tackles while Garner leads Hall County in interceptions with 5 and Wright has four.

"Everyone of those guys has had a huge game this year. It's not just one guy but the entire unit has played well and as a team. But our style is to take some chances and sometimes that leaves you open and some teams have made the perfect call. But these guys can stop anyone," Armstrong said.

One area Armstrong said can't be measured in talent or style is playoff experience. The Hurricanes are chock-full of it, having been six times over the last eight years.

Johnson is making its second straight appearance - the only two in school history. The Knights were humbled last year by LaGrange, 54-6.

"We're a much different - and better - team than last year," Armstrong said. "We were just glad to be there in some respects and didn't have any experience of what it's like. This year we understand what we need to do and how to prepare.

"But, (Cartersville) has been over-and-over again. Their players expect to be here and to win. That gives them a little bit of an advantage. But we'll be ready and hopefully last year will help be hungry to get that first playoff win."