Johnson runs wild as West Morgan cruises past Randolph

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Nov. 7—TRINITY — If MaCarri Johnson touches the football, chances are he might score.

West Morgan defeated Randolph 55-21 Thursday in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs, and its star running back was a big reason why.

Johnson finished the night with 14 carries for 125 yards and four touchdowns while also returning a punt for a score.

"As many chances as my offensive line gives me, that's how many chances I have to score," Johnson said. "They do a great job of blocking up front, and I also got great blocking on the perimeter. They opened a lot of opportunities for me."

Johnson has been a force for the Rebels this season, rushing for nearly 1,700 yards and 30 touchdowns.

"He's just a competitor, he's a winner and he thrives in any pressure or tense moments," West Morgan head coach Drew Phillips said. "He makes the dust settle a little bit."

West Morgan built a 27-0 lead in the first half, but Randolph cut the score to 27-14 at halftime thanks to a 82-yard reverse touchdown pass and a 25-yard touchdown pass off a West Morgan fumble.

Not pleased with his team's performance at the end of the first half, Phillips said he challenged his team at halftime and they responded by scoring 28 unanswered points in the second half to seal the win.

"Basically I told them that they (Randolph) came to win the game too and just showing up ain't going to get it done," Phillips said. "In the second half we came out and played like we're capable of playing and everything took care of itself."

Kylen Stover rushed five times for 100 yards and a score for the Rebels, while quarterback Titan Partlow was 4-for-12 passing for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Tay McDaniel hauled in two catches for 43 yards and a score, Keithan Deloney returned a fumble 39 yards for a touchdown and JaBarie Wiggins had an interception.

Next week West Morgan, the No. 3 ranked team in Class 4A, will host No. 8 Good Hope in the second round of the playoffs.

"I feel good, I think we can get it done," Johnson said.

— caleb.suggs@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2395. Twitter @CalebSuggs2

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