Johnnies win wild one to open 2021 campaign

After waiting nearly two years, the Johnnie football team took the field last Saturday and continued their winning tradition with another epic showdown.

After a back-and-forth game that featured a lot of offense, the Johnnies ironically needed a big play defensively to seal the deal­ —and they got just that. After five lead changes throughout the game, St. John’s retook the lead late in the fourth quarter after senior running back Devin Vouk had a nine yard rushing score. In the blink of an eye, however, the prolific Aurora offense was back down the field and inside the Johnnie red zone, and eventually on the one-yard line. Fourth and goal with seconds left and the game on the line, the defense did not break.

“Because we knew how athletic Zimbelman was, we knew the last play was going to be for him,” said Collin Franz, senior defensive lineman, referencing first-team All-American Aurora quarterback Gavin Zimbelman.

Franz and the Johnnie defense were right as Zimbelman got the ball and started to roll to the right.

“As I got through the line, the only thing I was thinking was ‘Don’t let go of him.,” Franz said.

As Franz was hitting Zimbelman, the ball popped free and Seth Morem, another senior defensive lineman fell on it to give the Johnnies a week one win.

“I didn’t realize I had knocked the ball out until he was already on the ground,” Franz said. “I’m just thankful Seth Morem was the first guy to hop on top of the ball.”

This play, along with a few other crucial plays that Franz made throughout the game earned him the honor of being named MIAC Defensive Player of the Week. Head Coach Gary Fasching expressed how happy he was in his defensive line and the Johnnie pass rush not only in the final moments but throughout the entire game.

“Our defense was able to get good pressure on Aurora’s All-American QB,” Fasching said. “Our focus was to contain him and keep him in the pocket. He is tremendous when he can extend plays and use his athletic ability.”

The Johnnie defense certainly was harassing Zimbelman all game, sacking him three times and forcing many quarterback hurries.

Despite this pressure, the Aurora quarterback was still able to throw for 341 yards and five touchdowns.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” said Fasching about his defense. “We did not play well in the defensive
secondary, and I thought our linebackers needed to be faster and more physical. We gave up 33 points, which is too many.”

On the flip side, the Johnnie offense shined in the win, putting up 520 yards of total offense. On top of explosive plays through the air that the Johnnie faithful has grown accustomed to in the last few years, the Johnnie rushing attack was also very tough to stop. The combined rushing attack of Trost, Vouk and Syverson ran for 239 yards and had three touchdowns. And, as the old offensive cliché goes, “it all starts up front.”

“I was really impressed with our offensive line. I thought they played really well. We averaged 6.6 yards a carry which is very good,” Fasching said.

The Johnnies will look to continue their offensive and overall team success as they square off Sept. 18th at Clemens Stadium with UMAC opponent, Martin Luther.