The offense isn't the only part of the game Johnson helped out in for Holy Angels (5-1, 2-1), either.

Many high school running backs with college football aspirations do not play defense, especially at higher enrollment schools with larger rosters. But Johnson is willing to play both sides of the ball with the Class 4A Stars, and he hauled in an interception late in the third quarter of Friday’s game.

“As I grew up, I understood that whatever it takes to win, that’s what I want to do,” said Johnson, who has played defense for the Stars since he was a freshman. “If I can help the team on defense I am willing to do it.”

The Stars' offense has changed to focus more on the option rushing attack this fall to match the strength of the players on the roster. Quarterback AJ Boarman only attempted one pass Friday, but he rushed for nearly 150 yards and two touchdowns. And the offensive line has also earned plenty of credit for the success of running the ball.

“Our best asset, obviously everybody sees Emmett, but it is our offensive line,” head coach Jim Gunderson said. “Our goal is to win the line of scrimmage. That’s what we do, and we take great pride in that.”

St. Louis Park (4-2, 2-1) was prepared to try to stop the run heading into Friday's matchup against the talented Stars. The Orioles managed to keep the game close, trailing by 8 at halftime.

However, containing Johnson continued to be a challenge in the second half.

“Holy Angels is a good ball club, there was nothing we could really do with number 4,” St. Louis Park head coach Jason Foster said about Johnson. “He’s the best back in the state, bar none.”

The Orioles did find some success with the passing attack in the second half Friday. Quarterback William Dvorak passed for nearly 300 yards, managing to make plays with his feet to avoid the pass rush.

“Our quarterback is very elusive,” Foster said. “He looks like he is going to get tackled, but he gets away and keeps his eyes downfield. I’ll take him over anyone in our conference.”

A five touchdown night propelled running back Emmett Johnson and the Holy Angels football team to a 49-25 victory over visiting St. Louis Park Friday.

The Orioles kept the game within one score, 21-13, at halftime. But that changed in the second half as the star running back Johnson continued to find space. The Holy Angels (5-1, 2-1) senior rushed for 411 yards including three touchdown runs of 65 or more yards. Quarterback AJ Boarman also rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns.

St. Louis Park (4-2, 2-1) quarterback William Dvorak completed 17 passes for nearly 300 yards in the loss, including two long touchdown passes to receiver Stefano Giovannelli.

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