Quantcast
skip navigation

Emmett Johnson's four touchdowns lead Holy Angels over Hill-Murray

By Mike Randleman, SportsEngine, 09/02/21, 6:30PM CDT

Share

Johnson connected on three touchdowns in the first half to keep the Stars ahead of the Pioneers in the back-and-forth contest.

The Stars’ Emmett Johnson (4) carried the ball into the end zone four times Thursday night at home in Holy Angels' 27-21 win over the Pioneers. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

The Stars’ Emmett Johnson (4) carried the ball into the end zone four times Thursday night at home in Holy Angels' 27-21 win over the Pioneers. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

A steady rainfall isn't necessarily conducive for an option offense. Especially in the first game of the first year converting from a more traditional offensive attack.

The element of surprise still paid dividends for Holy Angels despite damp conditions. They controlled the clock and leaned on a near 200-yard performance by running back Emmett Johnson to preserve a 27-21 home win Thursday over Hill-Murray.

"It felt good. First time being back in two years with full fans. Energy was crazy," Johnson said after rushing for 199 yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries. "I'm just glad we could get this win because this is a really good team. Hill-Murray's a really good team. We fought hard. I did what I could do, our team and O-line rocked out."

Holy Angels' AJ Boarman runs the ball in the first half as the Stars go on to beat the Pioneers 27-21 Thursday night. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner SportsEngine

Holy Angels' AJ Boarman runs the ball in the first half as the Stars go on to beat the Pioneers 27-21 Thursday night. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner SportsEngine

First Report

After allowing three scores and seeing its team down one at halftime, Holy Angels held Hill-Murray scoreless in the second half.

A Terrence Roberts Jr. interception with under three minutes to go in the game helped Holy Angels seal a 27-21 home victory Thursday in Richfield.

The two teams traded touchdowns in the first half. Holy Angels worked its option attack methodically, scoring on the first drive on a three-yard Emmett Johnson rush. He scored thrice in a near 100-yard first half.

Sawyer Seidl was the bell cow for Hill-Murray. He broke loose for a 73-yard touchdown rush for the Pioneers’ first touchdown. Joe McGurran hit top wideout Rashad McKinley streaking down the right sideline for a 48-yard touchdown and later found Maxwell Nicholson for a six-yard pass on fourth-and-goal.

The Pioneers led 21-20 at halftime.

The torrid scoring pace continued at the beginning of the second half. The Stars chewed up over five minutes on the opening drive of the half. Johnson took a wildcat snap for a one-yard touchdown.

Holy Angels threatened to go up by two scores before Johnson fumbled it away at the 3-yard line with 8:10 left.

The two teams traded punts prior to Roberts Jr.’s interception that allowed the Stars to bleed the clock.

Johnson rushed 35 times for 199 yards and four touchdowns. AJ Boarman completed three of nine passes for 49 yards for Holy Angels.

Seidl rushed 19 times for 132 yards with a touchdown and a lost fumble. McGurran finished 10-for-15 for 124 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for Hill-Murray.

The Pioneers’ Rashad McKinley makes a touchdown catch for 48 yards in the first quarter. Hill-Murray lost to Holy Angels 27-21. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

The Pioneers’ Rashad McKinley (6) makes a touchdown catch for 48 yards in the first quarter. Hill-Murray lost to Holy Angels 27-21. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

MN Football Hub polls are for entertainment purposes only. 

Football Hub Headlines