Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central student correspondent
JOHNSTON CITY — The Johnston City Indians nearly overcame a rough first half, but eventually fell to Maroa-Forsyth 41-22 in the 2A state semifinals.
The Trojans, making their 14th semifinal appearance in the past 20 years, jumped on top quickly with a pair of Ryne Sheppard to Mitch Williams touchdown passes in the game’s first 5:11.
The Indians methodically marched down the field, eating up the final 6:49 of the first quarter, but the Trojans came up with a defensive stop on fourth down in the red zone early in the second.
Then things really started to unravel for the Indians. After Sheppard’s 25-yard touchdown run made it 21-0, Williams blocked a punt to set up another touchdown. Then after a Johnston City fumble, Sheppard and Zach Smith combined for a 44-yard touchdown for a 34-0 lead.
The Indians scored in the closing seconds of the half as Kaden Koenig hit Nolan Causey for a 17-yard touchdown to make it 34-6 at the half.
Johnston City got the ball to open the third quarter and put together an 18-play, 77-yard, 9:35 drive capped by Hayden Burton’s 3-yard touchdown to pull the Indians within 34-14.
After a 3-and-out defensively, the Indians continued their rally. Jace Weaver’s 31-yard touchdown run plus the 2-point conversion capped 22 straight points for Johnston City, and made it a two-possession game at 34-22 with 8:27 to play.
The Trojans ended hopes of a miracle comeback, recovering a squib kick followed on the next play by Sheppard and Williams connecting for their third touchdown of the day. This one was a 50 yarder that pushed the lead back to 19, which is the way it ended.
Maroa-Forsyth advances to Friday’s 2A state championship against Chicago Christian at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University. This will be the Trojans’ ninth title game appearance since 2006. They have two state championships and six runner-up finishes in those eight previous trips.
The Indians finish their season 11-2, making it to the final four for the second time in the past three seasons.
