Defending champions "cleaning stuff up" ahead of playoffs

JOHNSON - For the fifth-straight season, and the second time in two years in Class D2, the Johnson-Brock football team will play in the Nebraska School Activities Association postseason.

The defending champions earned the #4-seed in the east bracket and will host a playoff game, despite losing to #3 Falls City Sacred Heart, 54-14, in the Class D2-1 district championship last Thursday. 

Head Coach Mitch Roberts knew the Irish were going to be a strong opponent, but he thought his team did some things well and he saw things they could work on - such as blocking and tackling. 

"As you get to this time of year, you want to make sure everybody is healthy," Roberts said. "Just taking the time to clean some stuff up and getting those mental reps in for a team you've never played before."

The Eagles will play #13 Wynot for the first time in school history. The Blue Devils, who are making their 11th consecutive appearance in the playoffs, are 3-5 this season. They have losses to #1 Humphrey St. Francis, #2 Bloomfield, #5 Plainview, #7 Hartington-Newcastle and #12 Randolph this season.

They lost to Sacred Heart in the first round a season ago, 42-0.

Wynot averages 145 yards rushing per game and 109 yards passing, with 24 total touchdowns. They've registered eight sacks and an interception on defense.

Roberts believes turnovers and penalties could decide their first round matchup.

"We have to be able to control the ball, and give us a chance to score and make big plays, which is what we've shown we're capable of," Roberts said. "Penalties have been something that have haunted us all year. We can't beat ourselves, we have to make the other team beat us."

Kickoff in Johnson is set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday and will be available to listen to on KNCY 1600 AM, 105.5 FM and online at newschannelnebraska.com.

Wynot at Johnson-Brock

When: 4:30 p.m.

Where: Johnson, Neb.

Radio: KNCY 1600 AM, 105.5 FM and newschannelnebraska.com

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