Junction City falls short at Harmony Grove 39-0

HARMONY GROVE – Big plays proved to be Junction City's undoing Friday night, as Harmony Grove had four touchdowns of over 70 yards en route to a 39-0 win over the Dragons in the season opener for both schools.

The previous three meetings between the schools were decided by a combined 12 points, but after a scoreless first quarter, the Hornets took control of the game.

Caleb Johnson scored on a 72-yard run to open the scoring at the 8:45 mark of the second period with the extra point giving the Hornets a 7-0 lead.

It was the start of a big evening for Johnson, who also threw three touchdown passes.

The Hornets extended their lead by scoring twice in the final 2 1/2 minutes of the half.

Tobias Hicks scored on an 85-yard run with 2:21 left in the half.

Following a turnover, Johnson connected with Titus Lockhart on a 25-yard strike with 14 seconds left to make it 19-0.

The Hornets then broke the game open in the third quarter, scoring twice in a span of 28 seconds with Johnson throwing touchdown passes to Gabe Johnson and Landon Garrett.

Harmony Grove's final score came at the 1:21 mark of the third period, as Daniel Hill scored on an 80-yard run to make the final margin.

Jamal Johnson finished with 103 yards rushing on 18 carries for the Dragons, who had 248 yards of total offense, but turned the ball over three times and had 13 penalties.

AJ Ivory added 82 yards on the ground on 16 carries for Junction City.

Harmony Grove (1-0), who had 391 yards of total offense, travels to Fordyce next week.

The Dragons (0-1) return home to face Union County rival Smackover.