JSCA Looks To Maintain Competitiveness In 2017

Photo via hudl.com

Johnson County Sports Association went 3-7 in 2016 and lost in the Division Two bracket of the Texas Association of Independent Athletic Association (TAIAO). Their season can be split into two parts that belies their uninspiring record.

The Lions won the bragging rights of Joshua with a win over Joshua Christian in their first game of the season. Then they hit the low point of their season. The Lions lost four games in a row, and they were outscored by a combined score of 221-38. They scored an average of 10 points and allowed an average of 55 points in those four losses. One loss included a 60-14 loss to Inspired Vision, who was also 3-7.

But after a 46-0 shutout of Tyler HEAT, the margins got closer against average competition. The Lions outscored the opposition 277-247 in their last five games. They were competitive in a loss to CHANT HomeSchool and they lost by a touchdown to NYOS Charter. Their best win of the season was a road victory over Faustina Academy, in which they scored a season-high 90 points.

The Lions were also competitive in their playoff loss to the Lubbock Titans. The Lions trailed 48-20 at halftime, but mounted a serious rally and outscored the Titans in the second half 38-29 to lose 76-59. They just couldn’t stop the Titans’ rushing attack, which ran for 338 yards and seven touchdowns.

Hathcock was the quarterback and he passed for 1,640 yards and threw for 19 touchdowns and four interceptions. Hathcock was also the team’s best running back as he led the team in carries, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns with 14. Hathcock had 424 passing yards, five touchdown passes, 168 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the Lions’ win over Faustina Academy. He also led the team in total tackles defensively and fumbles recovered. In the playoff game against the Titans, Hathcock passed for 294 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two touchdowns.

Korb’s role on the team was as one of the main tacklers on the team and as a kicker and a punter. He led the team in solo tackles and sacks. Against the Falcons, Korb led the Lions with eight tackles and two sacks, had a punt of 56 yards inside the 20 yard line, converted all nine of his extra point attempts and had 106 receiving yards and a touchdown on five catches.

Heard led the team in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, kickoff return yards and was second in carries, rushing yards and total touchdowns with 13. Heard had 10 catches for 230 yards, two touchdowns and 335 all purpose yards against the Falcons

Jackson had the second most receptions on the team and was third on the team in solo tackles. He could also be the leading contender to be the quarterback as he was second in passing attempts.

Chavez was second in receiving yards and touchdown catches and was the Lions’ top defensive back as he had nine passes defended.

The Lions’ improvement at the end of the season and their respectable showing in the playoffs gives hope that they can improve their record in 2017. However, the improvement might be just to four wins.