Johnson County set for trip to Clinch County

Clinch County has been on a mission since an upset loss in its fourth game of the season. Since that loss to Irwin County, the Panthers have reeled off seven consecutive victories by an average score of 40-15.

Johnson County, however, is riding a bit of success of its own as of late and is looking to slow down the Panthers on Friday in the quarterfinals of the GHSA Class A public school playoffs.

"Clinch County is an unbelievable football team," Johnson County head coach Don Norton said. "They are just unbelievable. We have to play our best game and (Clinch County) can't play their best game in order for us to get a win. Clinch is the real deal."

The Trojans (7-4) have won six of their past seven games, including a 21-8 first-round victory on the road against Randolph-Clay last week. And they have accomplished it with a balanced offensive attack.

On the ground, three players -- Ronquez Harden, Colby Price and Bran Rawlings -- have each contributed more than 440 rushing yards, with Rawlings leading the way with six touchdowns. And through the air, Brooks Norton has completed 85-of-149 passes for 1,116 yards and 11 touchdowns with Harden hauling in six of those scores.

"I don't know that we're confident because I'm not sure I'd necessarily use those words," Norton said. "Our guys just go play. I'm not sure we're confident more so than we just go out and play hard. We were very fortunate in getting a win last week and feel fortunate to be in the position that we are in."

Clinch County (10-1) advanced to the quarterfinals with a 30-8 victory over Dooly County in which the Panthers led just 8-0 at halftime.

And while his Trojans may be underdogs in the matchup, Norton, who was a standout punter for two national championship teams at Georgia Southern, referenced a quote from legendary head coach Erk Russell when asked about the key to his team's success.

"We'll have to certainly limit our turnovers," Norton said. "We're excited to have a puncher's chance. Again, Clinch County is an unbelievable football team. We've had some seniors really step up for us this season. Coach Russell always used to tell me that you're only as good as your seniors.

"And our seniors have played as hard as they possibly could. They've played for one another and not made it about themselves."

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 8:17 PM with the headline "Johnson County set for trip to Clinch County ."