Johnston's big night leads Bishops past Irish
ZANESVILLE - Travis Johnston had a 65-yard touchdown run on the game's first play called back because of a penalty.
The Rosecrans senior back still churned up 235 yards and accounted for three touchdowns in a 40-13 win against Fisher Catholic on Saturday at John D. Sulsberger Memorial Stadium.
Jack Nash completed 9-of-16 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns, and Aaron Gehlken hauled in both scores as part of a 6-catch, 118-yard effort for the Bishops.
"They're a well-coached team, and their athletes performed well and made plays," Fisher coach Mike Yonnotti said. "We were a step behind mentally and physically. That's on me for not having us ready."
Despite losing Johnston's first score, Rosecrans got on the board on its next three possessions. After the teams exchanged punts, Nash found Gehlken down the middle for a 70-yard score. Tucker Zemba added the extra point for a 7-0 lead at the 6:15 mark of the first quarter.
A Hudson Moore interception set up Johnston's first score, a 76-yard run at the 3:12 mark. The kick missed, but the lead was 13-0.
Nash came through on Rosecrans' next drive. He found Moore for a 31-yard gain then capped the seven-play, 60-yard drive with an 8-yard scoring run. Another Zemba kick made it 20-0 just 11 seconds into the second quarter.
Rosecrans coach Mark Johnston saw plenty of positives, especially in the early portion of the game.
"We came in thinking we had opportunities to do some things. Some of those worked and some didn't," he said. "Jack threw the ball well, and our guys made some nice catches. We used our skill kids well, but we need better execution."
Johnston recovered a Fisher fumble in the end zone later in the second quarter to stretch the lead to 27-0, but the Irish answered before the half when Brock Conrad found Logan Loy from six yards out.
A 9-yard touchdown run by Johnston in the third and a 29-yard scoring connection between Nash and Gehlken in the fourth capped the Bishops' scoring, while Allen McCall rumbled 40 yards for the Irish's final touchdown in the fourth.
With a big lead in the second half, Johnston was able to play some younger players. He knows their contributions will be needed as the season wears on.
"We were able to get some freshmen on the field, and you always like the chance to play the younger guys," he said. "The effort was there, and we know it will always be there with our guys."
McCall finished with 99 yards on 23 carries to highlight the Irish effort.
"We ran the power game well," Yonnotti said. "We played like rookies, at times, but I know we can be better."
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