JOHNSTON CITY -- A Hail Mary pass with 24 seconds left in the game by Carmi-White County quarterback William Pugsley went over the outstretched hands of Luke Simon and sealed Johnston City's 36-32 Homecoming win over the Bulldogs Friday.
The Indians recovered the opening kickoff, and two plays later, Dallas Johnson scooted in from 15 yards out for a touchdown.
"That opening fumble recovery and quick score was huge. That set the tone for the rest of the game," said Johnston City Coach Todd Thomas. "They (Bulldogs) are a very good football team and we played right with them."
Dylan Fisher continued his 100 yard per game effort racking up two touchdowns (three and 24 yards) while gaining 157 yards on 27 carries and adding eight tackles from his linebacker spot.
Though it allowed 32 points, it was the defense that stepped up when needed. Caide Sloan intercepted a pass and dropped Pugsley for a huge loss late in the game. Sam Anastasi also sacked Pugsley for a 24-yard loss when the Bulldogs were on a late drive.
Freshman Austin Brown and Garrett McBride each recorded nine tackles.
"It was a total team effort. I am extremely proud of these kids. They are buying in to what we are trying to do, and the kids are starting to reap the benefits of their labor," said Thomas.
Neither team could stop the other in the first half with both teams trading touchdowns that led to Johnston City taking a 28-20 lead at the half.
Ethan Mahon capped CWC's 77-yard, 11-play drive with 6:28 to go in the opening frame to tie the game at 6-6. Fisher scored on a three-yard run to give the Indians the lead again, but Bulldogs freshman sensation Luke Simon scored on an seven-yard run to tie the score at 14-14.
Fisher appeared to put the game out of reach with scoring runs of seven and 24 yards to make it 28-14 before Mahon scored on a one-yard run with 24 seconds left in the third quarter to draw CWC to within eight at 28-20.
"They made some big plays and the first play of the game when we fumbled the opening kickoff really hurt," said longtime Bulldog Coach Kurt Simon.
"We have to learn from this. The seniors have three more games to play, and we will see what happens," said Simon who watched his team fall to 1-5.
Carmi-White County had two players over 100 yards rushing with Mahan racking up 129 on 18 carries and Jaeden Reeder gaining 118 on 13 tries.
Johnston City upped its record to 2-4 going into next Saturday's game at Christopher against the winless Bearcats. CWC will try to regroup when it takes on a very good Chester Yellow Jackets team.
Carmi White County 6 14 6 6--32
Johnston City 14 14 8 0--36
