After falling to Alpharetta 18-7 earlier this season, with special teams mistakes playing a major role in the outcome, the Johns Creek Gladiators JV football team got their revenge Wednesday night, grinding out a hard-fought 14-13 victory in another defensive battle.
The Gladiators made an immediate statement on special teams. On the opening kickoff, freshman defensive back Dylan Phillips delivered a huge hit that forced a fumble, giving Johns Creek outstanding field position to start the game.
Offensively, the Gladiators found success through the air behind freshman playmakers Oliver Johnson and Mason Smith, who combined for several big catches throughout the first half. While Johns Creek moved the ball effectively, the offense struggled to finish drives inside the red zone. Fortunately, Johnson stepped up and accounted for all six first-half points, drilling field goals from 35 and 42 yards to keep the Gladiators in the game. Alpharetta answered late in the second quarter with a long touchdown pass and took a 7-6 lead into halftime.
The defensive struggle continued throughout the second half. Alpharetta added to its lead in the third quarter on a short touchdown pass, but the Gladiators' special teams unit came through once again by forcing a missed extra point, keeping the deficit within one score. Sophomore defensive back Seth Reames put together one of his strongest performances of the season, breaking up five passes and helping shut down Alpharetta's passing attack. Freshman safety Seth Banigo was equally important, flying downhill from his safety position to make several key tackles and prevent big plays.
With the game hanging in the balance, Johns Creek delivered in the fourth quarter. Junior athlete Hank Limbaugh connected with freshman Jaden Vetter for the Gladiators' lone touchdown of the night. Needing two points to take the lead, freshman quarterback Owen Phillips escaped pressure and scrambled into the end zone, giving Johns Creek a 14-13 advantage.
The defense took over from there. Freshmen Danny Sollie and Nolan Vasseur came up with a pair of massive sacks in the closing minutes, ending Alpharetta's final scoring threats and securing the victory.
After special teams miscues contributed to a loss in the first meeting between these teams, the Gladiators turned that phase into a strength in the rematch. A forced fumble on the opening kickoff, a missed extra point, and clutch kicking from Oliver Johnson helped Johns Creek earn a hard-fought 14-13 win and carry momentum into the final game of the season next week.
