After Louisiana New Tech at Plain Dealing’s loss to Red River in Week 5, coach Coy Brotherton said he was disappointed with the way his team handled adversity.
Friday night in their District 1-1A opener at Logansport, the Lions faced adversity again.
Standout quarterback Deaumante Johnson took a hit to his already injured left shoulder on the second play of the game. Johnson, who missed the final three quarters of the Red River game because of the injury, had to leave the game and couldn’t return.
The Lions responded by making big plays on defense and special teams en route to a 42-26 victory. New Tech, which improved to 5-1, will host Haynesville Friday in a game that should decide the district title.
The Lions were also missing a couple of other two-way starters because of injuries.
“We had kind of a week to prepare for it,” Brotherton said. “We had some people play in different spots. They took the challenge and handled it well.”
Brotherton said Johnson’s status for the rest of the season is uncertain, but it’s possible he could still still play. The injury, Brotherton said, is a Grade 1 shoulder separation, the least severe.
“He tried to give it a go but couldn’t,” Brotherton said. “He needs a little more time. Time is going to be his best medicine.”
Logan Harris again replaced Johnson and responded by completing 13 of 26 passes for 156 yards and two TDs.
The key to the game, though, was a Lions defense that forced a whopping 10 turnovers and scored three touchdowns. The Lions intercepted five passes and recovered five fumbles.
Desmond Stromile recovered a fumble in the end zone. Brandon Evans returned a fumble 28 yards for a TD, and Cardarrious Ray returned one 36 yards for another score.
Kaino Long returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown.
Tray Harris caught an 11-yard touchdown pass. He finished with seven catches for 75 yards. Jammarei Stromile had a 26-yard touchdown reception. Long, Jammarei Stromile and Harris scored two-point conversions.
Desean Morris intercepted two passes. Stromile, Long and Harris had one apiece.
