Smoking For Jesus welcomes Johnson County to start the playoffs

The Smoking For Jesus football team returns to the field after a two-week break to begin the playoffs of the Texas Association of Independent Athletic Organizations.

The Eagles (5-5, 3-0 district champions) welcome Cleburne Johnson County Sports Association (4-7, 2-5) at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, to Wallace Riddell Park, 709 Northington St. in Burnet.

Head coach Charles Frazier and his staff scouted the Lions during their win against San Antonio FEAST 46-33 Nov. 10.

“It was back and forth,” he said. “We don’t overlook any team because on any night, it can happen to you (suffer a loss).

Johnson County junior quarterback Jake Calaway has completed 77 of 200 passes for 1,314 yards, 14 touchdowns and 19 interceptions and has 120 carries for 907 yards and 10 scores. Senior running back Ryan Hamer has 108 rushes for 664 yards and 7 touchdowns and 20 catches for 338 yards and 4 scores. Senior receiver Roman Reeves has 16 catches for 417 yards and 7 touchdowns.

“They look to run and sweep,” Frazier said. “Calaway is shifty. If he doesn’t like it, he’ll cut back. He has breakout speed to cut back.”

Outside linebacker Hamer also leads in tackles with 105. The Lions use two backs and the Eagles anticipate they’ll put a spy on senior quarterback Isaac Legier to try to contain him.

Legier has completed 126 of 203 passes for 1,912 yards, 30 touchdowns and 3 interceptions and has 84 rushes for 1,196 yards and 17 scores.

The coach said the Eagles are ready, adding health isn’t a concern.

“We’ve been sitting for two weeks,” he said. “We’ve been trying to keep them sharp. We’re in full pads this week. We’re coming in at full speed. Everybody is excited and ready. Winning district was our first goal. We wanted to win it for the third time. We’re not looking past Johnson County.”

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