Deshler gets tough tune-up from Johnson

TUSCUMBIA - In what he described as an "important playoff tune-up," Deshler coach John Mothershed got a little more than he expected when the Tigers hosted Class 5A J.O. Johnson on Thursday night.

After jumping out to a quick 22-0 lead, Deshler (9-1, 7-0) allowed the Jaguars to pull within one point of the lead before scoring 27 unanswered points en route to a 49-21 victory in front of a small, but frenzied crowd, at Howard Chappell Stadium.

"This is exactly the kind of game we needed before the playoffs," Mothershed said. "Games like tonight prove that you can't become complacent with your regular-season performance. We came out strong, but when we started to let down Johnson jumped all over us. To win in the playoffs, you can't play like we did tonight."

Deion Belue got Deshler on the board first, returning the games opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. It marked the fourth consecutive week in which he has returned either a kickoff or punt for a touchdown.

After forcing a safety on Johnson's ensuing offensive possession, Deshler extended it's lead when J.R. White scored on a 1-yard run with 9:17 remaining in the first quarter. Johnson blocked the extra point attempt, leaving the Deshler lead at 15-0.

A 1-yard run by Deanthonie Summerhill pushed the Tiger lead to 22-0 with less than a minute remaining in the first quarter.

Johnson (2-8) cut into the Deshler lead early in the second quarter, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run by Troy Mims, cutting the lead to 22-7.

After allowing the Tigers to drive the ball to its 5-yard line, Johnson pulled within a touchdown of the lead when Cornelius Sublett scooped up a fumble and returned it 95 yards for a score.

A 38-yard touchdown pass form Ronnie McCrae to Mason Rice cut the Deshler lead to 22-21 with 4:20 left to play in the second quarter, but a late 1-yard touchdown run by White extended the Tiger lead to 28-21 at the half.

Belue opened the Deshler lead to 35-21 late in the third quarter, scoring on a 18-yard toss around the left end.

After exchanging punts on the game's next two possessions, a 34-yard run by Summerhill pushed the lead to 41-21 early in the fourth quarter.

A quick three-and-out by Johnson gave Deshler the ball at its own 48, and two plays later J. Gardiner found the end zone from 40 yards out, rounding out the scoring and securing the win for the Tigers.

Gardiner finished the game with 129 yards on 13 carries, while Summerhill added 120 yards.

"This is a huge win for us heading into the playoffs," Belue said.

"We needed a challenge, and Johnson really gave us one. We are all ready for the playoffs, but tonight really opened our eyes and let us know that we have to stay tight or we will be in trouble."

Deshler hosts Fairview in the opening round of the playoffs next Friday.