Oct. 10--Nazareth's defensive plan Friday night was clear from the start: Stop Michael Johnson.
The Roadrunners did a better job than most opponents have this season, holding Joliet Catholic's star senior to 99 yards on 30 carries.
But Nazareth didn't stop sophomore Ke'Von Johnson, and that was the difference in No. 6 Joliet Catholic's wild 38-35 East Suburban Catholic Conference win against the No. 8 Roadrunners at Joliet Memorial Stadium.
Ke'Von Johnson ran for 213 yards and four touchdowns, three in the first half when the Hilltoppers (7-0, 5-0) built a 31-0 lead.
His first-half scoring runs went for 16, 60 and 19 yards. He also broke off a 49-yard run that set up a 6-yard TD carry by Michael Johnson.
That was enough for Joliet Catholic to overcome 11 penalties and a furious Nazareth comeback led by quarterback Carson Bartels, who threw for 274 yards and five touchdowns in the second half.
Ke'Von Johnson scored his final TD on a 16-yard run with 7:10 left in the game, giving Joliet Catholic a 38-28 lead and ending a 28-0 Nazareth rally.
"They were flowing really, really hard whenever he went in motion," Ke'Von Johnson said. "I just had to be that counterpunch tonight."
"Give it to Michael," Joliet Catholic coach Dan Sharp said. "He did a great job of carrying out his play fakes, drawing the attention and opening up some lanes."
Bartels' 16-yard touchdown pass to Christian Davis with 58 second left got the Roadrunners (5-2, 3-2) back within three points. But Joliet Catholic recovered an onside kick and ran out the clock.
mclark@tribpub.com
Mike Clark is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Ke'Von Johnson, Joliet Catholic, 17 carries, 213 yards, 4 TDs.
Key performers: Joliet Catholic -- Michael Johnson, 30 carries, 99 yards, TD; Patrick Tippet, INT, sack. Nazareth -- Carson Bartels, 20-for-39 passing, 354 yards, 5 TDs.
