Dominique Johnson rushes for 229 yards and 3 TDs in close victory for Crowley over Brewer
After a slow start, Crowley spotted Brewer’s 7-0 lead and scored on three straight possessions in the second quarter to en rout to a 42-28 win in a district opener Thursday evening at Eagle Stadium.
The game was moved up a day due to impending inclement weather.
The Bears fell to 2-2, 1-1.
Crowley (3-1, 2-0 in District –5A) tied the Bears at 7 with 11:14 left in the first half when Dominique Johnson scored from seven yards to culminate an 11-play, 67-yard drive.
After forcing Brewer to punt on three-and-out in the ensuing possession, Crowley again took over but back at its 9-yard line after a 48-yard punt and a nine-yard clipping call. Nevertheless, the Eagles drove the distance in eight plays with Clatayvion Jackson getting the last 22 on a run up middle.
After another three-and-out, Crowley got its last score and a 21-7 lead at intermission after only a 23-yard punt with the punter under pressure. It gave the Eagles a short field of 39 yards. Six plays later, M.J. Tillman caught a six-yard pass also over the middle from Kevin Miller.
After starting 0-for-5, Miller completed on his next four throws including the touchdown.
Game was over when: Brewer battled back with a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter to pull within seven, 35-28, with 4:48 left. But Johnson scored a 32-yard touchdown, breaking tackles along the way, on third-and-18 with 57 seconds left for the two-touchdown differential.
Play of the game: A fake punt led to Crowley’s first touchdown after the Eagles failed to score on their first two possessions. On fourth-and-six at the Brewer 42, Crowley lined up to punt but instead a pitchout to Jordan Miller who ran to left gained just enough yards before he pushed out-of-bounds at the 36. Five plays later, Johnson scored.
Offensive player of the game: Workhorse Johnson rushed 39 times for 229 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensive player of the game: Crowley’s Ronnie Sanders had the game’s only turnover with an interception. It came moments after intermission and Crowley went three-and-out on the opening possession.
Unsung hero of the game: Jordyn Carden replaced Miller as quarterback for Crowley late in the second half and was scrambled five times for 21 yards and several first downs.
What’s next? Crowley will be at Saginaw at 7 p.m. next Friday. Brewer will host Saginaw Boswell at the same date and time.
This story was originally published September 20, 2018 at 10:51 PM.