FOOTBALL: Johnson County goes wire-to-wire with lead in win at Butler

AUGUSTA – After back-and-forth games each of their first three weeks of the season, the Johnson County Trojans led all four quarters Friday on their way to a second win of the fall, 20-6 at Butler. 

JoCo’s offense outgained the Bulldogs 229 yards to 95 in the road win to make its record an even 2-2. 

This week, the Trojans will be back at home against Treutlen (1-2).

A giant stadium that would hold thousands swallowed up the hundred or so fans made up of mostly JoCo supporters. Except for the sound of the large, loud Butler band, it was an oddly quiet environment for the Trojans to meet a school technically two classifications larger. 

Head coach Don Norton missed the home field advantage of the “Blue Monster,” and said his team had to create its own environment. 

“It’s good to get a win in Augusta, Georgia,” he said. “It’s our first time being up here. I’m real excited for our kids to get back on the winning track, back to beat a AA team, which is always tough.”

To begin play, the Trojans stopped the Bulldogs in four downs, forcing a punt to get the ball on the Bulldog 35. They scored in eight plays.

Billy Turberville had a six-yard touchdown with 6:16 in the first. Will Peebles kicked and the Trojans led 7-0.

The Bulldogs broke a 48-yard kickoff return and started scrimmage on the Trojan 32. They scored in seven plays.

Butler’s touchdown came on a two-yard run with 1:26 in the first quarter. The Bulldogs opted for a conversion attempt, and the Trojan defense got the stop to keep the score 7-6. 

Midway through the second quarter, JoCo’s defense stopped Butler on its own 49. After the punt, the Trojan offense began on their own 37. They scored in nine plays. 

Tashawn Norris ran for a two-yard touchdown with 3:48 to go. The kick failed, but the Trojans led 13-6.

The Bulldogs threatened at the end of the second quarter from the Johnson County 14. The defense held tough, though, and Jeremiah Scott ended the half with an interception in the end zone. 

Butler had six first downs and 72 total yards at the half. The Trojans had eight and 89.

On the Trojans’ first possession of the second half, Turberville connected with Norris for a 62-yard pass, but the Trojans were denied when Butler had a big defensive stand.

Scott broke a 67-yard run, scoring with 42 seconds in the third. Peebles kicked the point-after and the Trojans led 20-6. 

Scott led JoCo in rushing with three carries for 63. Norris had 11 for 59.

Turberville passed for 68 yards.

Peebles was glad his team played well against an unfamiliar opponent in an unfamiliar setting. 

He has big hopes, if the right things happen. 

“I believe we have a great future,” Peebles said. “If we keep our head on our shoulders, trust our coaches and do what we’re taught, we’ll be very, very good.”