Neither Johnson Central, nor top ranked South Warren, had ever reached a State Championship game before they met for the first time on Sunday night at Houchens-Smith Stadium in Bowling Green. The 12-1 Golden Eagles earned their way through a rugged playoff run with a nail biter over Scott and a seven point win over Wayne County in the semifinals. The 14-0 Spartans had not faced a real challenge until Shelby County last Friday, and sent the Rockets home with a 36-6 defeat.
What was well known was the imposing size of Johnson Central, aiding a power running attack that carried the football for 3,462 yards during the regular season and in the playoffs. What was also well known was the South Warren run defense, which had surrendered exactly 559 yards on the ground all season long. The Golden Eagles won the toss, elected to receive, and something had to give.
That something, because one team had to lose, was the Johnson Central rushing attack. In the first half, the Golden Eagles netted one first down and 11 yards on 15 carries. South Warren struck first with an Alex Cohron 22 yard field goal, then came a 24 yard catch for Chase Japp and a Devante Colton fumble recovery for a score. South Warren gave up one big play, a 40 yard pass from Bryce Workman to Geordan Blanton, but that would be about it. At the break, it was 22-0 Spartans.
The second half provided the first, and only, Johnson Central score, and a few key third down conversions for South Warren to ensure the momentum remained under control. The Golden Eagles hit the scoreboard after a 68 yard carry from Bryce Skaggs.
Despite Ryder Litten suffering a right foot injury late in the game, which led to an interception, South Warren’s effort was simply too strong.
Bryan Cummings was named STBN Bluegrass Cellular Player of the Game. He caught four passes for 78 yards, two defensive interceptions, and one key kick return to give his team a short field. Kayron Namvong was monstrous, carrying the pigskin 27 times for 127 yards and a touchdown. Litten was 9-18 for 154, two scores and two interceptions. Jacob Wilde returned a second half fumble for a touchdown. Fellow senior Austin McElwain was named Class 4A Player of the Year.
As they did all season long, in the end, South Warren won its first State Championship as a team. It was also the first State Title for SWHS in any sport. Brandon Smith is 27-1 as a head coach.
FINAL: South Warren 36, Johnson Central 6
