Knights look to avoid repeat of history

OAKWOOD - Johnson football coach Blair Amstrong and his Knights stood on this exact spot a year ago.

Undefeated in the new Region 7-AAA with a showdown looming against Gainesville, Armstrong remembers vividly what happened against Fannin County.

"We came out flat and slipped up and they beat us," Armstrong said. "We found out you can't take anyone for granted in this region."

The Knights get a chance Friday night to avenge that loss playing host to the Rebels at The Dungeon.

That loss last year nearly cost them a trip to the playoffs. Their season eventually came down to a head-to-head win over Pickens to get into the playoffs by virtue of a tiebreaker.

"We learned from that and I don't think we've taken anyone for granted since. And certainly not this year," Armstrong said.

The results speak for themselves. The Knights (3-0, 3-0) had a chance last week to have a letdown against Chestatee but scored two quick touchdowns and cruised to a 39-0 win. The defense has only given up six points in three games.

"Our guys have played so consistent all year and we've made a few adjustments the last couple of weeks. I didn't think we would've only given up six points at this point but the hard work is starting to show up now," Armstrong said.

Linebackers Cardy McKensey and Trey Bell have led the defense. Jonathan Stockwell anchors a solid line.

Armstrong, however, said the Rebels (2-1, 2-1) should give his squad a good test.

"They're very strong up front and run some power-I sets mixed in with a lot of other looks. It's hard to read what they're doing at times," Armstrong said. "We think we'll get a better idea of where we are defensively."

The Rebels offense, though big, has only produced 38 points in three games.

On defense, Fannin has given up just seven points in its two wins but gave up 33 to West Hall in its only loss.

The Johnson offense struggled after the two quick scores last week but put together a solid fourth quarter that produced 20 points to put the game away against Chestatee.

"We made some mistakes in the middle part of the game. We got up fast and then lost a little of our concentration. But when we needed it, we got results late," Armstrong said.