THE END ZONE HIGHLIGHTS: Johnson County welcomes Clinch County

Clinch County is heavily favored against the Trojans who are region champs.

WRIGHTSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Johnson County Trojans hosted the Clinch County Panthers in the second round of the GHSA playoffs Friday night.

Clinch County was heavily favored against the Trojans, who are region champs. Clinch was ranked #4 but seeded #2 behind Brooks County from the classification’s toughest region.

The Panthers average opponent had been 21 points better than Johnson County’s, according to the computer Maxwell Ratings. Clinch County beat Warren County 34-22 in the first round. It was the 500th victory in Clinch’s history.

Aaron Bryant, normally more of a running quarterback, passed for 204 yards and three touchdowns. Kemarrion Johnson had six receptions for 174 yards. Aaron Bryant has rushed for 1,387 yards this season.

Johnson County won its third consecutive region title this season despite the graduation of Germivy Tucker, who rushed for 6,928 career yards, breaking Herschel Walker’s school record. The Trojans beat Pelham 16-8 in a first-round defensive battle, leading 212-152 in total yards.

Johnson County allows 8.5 points per game, second to Metter for fewest in the classification.

The Trojans beat Clinch County 36-21 in their last meeting in the 2022 quarterfinals.

Bill Shanks has the highlights from Herschel Walker Field.