Pleasant Home runs all over A.L. Johnson for season-opening win, 42-16

Published 10:56 pm Friday, August 25, 2023

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Pleasant Home scored six rushing touchdowns and began the season with a 42-16 win against A.L. Johnson at home Friday night.

PHS head coach Cody Sellers thought his team did a lot of things well.

“We were assignment sound early on with our older kids, and I am very proud of that. Our technique got a little sloppy there when we entered the younger kids. I guess the moment was too big for them, but we as a coaching staff have to get them prepared. I’m proud of the guys for their efforts and attitude and think we made our community proud. We have a big game to prepare for in two weeks to open up region play,” Sellers said.

After A.L. Johnson (0-1) went three and out, Pleasant Home (1-0) took over at the visiting 43-yard-line. Jacob Bryan began the drive with a 14-yard gain for a first down. DaMarrion Parker capped the 7-play drive on a 6-yard touchdown run. The PAT failed and left the score 6-0.

Bubba Helms recovered a fumble on the kickoff and set up the next PHS score. Bryan scored from 24 yards out with 6:30 left in the first quarter. Parker added the two-point conversion for a 14-0 lead. ALJ then started with its best field position following a big kickoff return. Despite an 11-yard run, the drive came to an end.

A.L. Johnson earned two first downs before the first quarter ended. Pleasant Home took over in the second quarter and saw Nathan Hobbs gain a first down with a 16-yard run. Talan Worley delivered a 30-yard touchdown run, and Vance Kelley added the PAT for a 21-0 lead. ALJ turned the ball over as Parker scored from 50 yards out. Kelley’s PAT pushed the PHS lead to 28-0.

After a three-and-out, Bryan delivered a 55-yard touchdown run for a 35-0 halftime lead. Despite a 55-yard kickoff return from Bryan, a fumble allowed A.L. Johnson to score on an 18-yard touchdown run and two-point conversion. Pleasant Home led 35-8 at the end of three.

Bryan raced to the goal line from 59 yards out, and Kelley’s fourth PAT made the score 42-8. ALJ recovered a fumble for a touchdown with PHS backups in and tacked on another two-point conversion.

Pleasant Home is off next week but begins region play at home against Red Level on Friday, Sept. 8.