Seems like old times: Johnstown developing another prolific backfield
JOHNSTOWN ― Matt Smith-Ross Franklin. Cody Workman-Justin Franklin. Caden Calhoun-Bryce Barasch.
Johnstown's quarterback-running back combos over the years are etched in a Johnnies' legacy that has resulted in state finals, state semifinals, league titles and long playoff runs.
The proud program has fallen on lean times with back-to-back losing seasons, but this year's dynamic duo of senior tailback Kaynen Lindsey and junior quarterback Sam Marasek has gotten out of the gate quickly in a bid to shake the doldrums.
Through two games, Lindsey already has racked up 380 yards and seven touchdowns, including a 224-yard, five-touchdown effort in last Friday's 50-36 win at Coshocton. Marasek has added 202 yards on the ground, including 131 yards and a score last weekend. Fittingly enough, the two battled for the starting quarterback job heading into 2023.
"I dropped back to running back, and that was fine, because I played a lot of running back when I was younger," said Lindsey, who played primarily defense last year. "I've learned how to read the holes the right way, and it helps that I have a great offensive line and fullback (sophomore Landon Myers). He (Marasek) knows the Johnstown power game, and he's like another running back."
"We're clicking early on," said Marasek, who was freshman quarterback. "We haven't done this for years, and it's good to get it under our belts. We want to get it back to the Johnstown way. After the first half against (Licking) Heights, I've gotten the jitters out."
Lindsey said it's good to see the Johnnies successful again, against defenses that know what's coming.
"We've already seen nine in the box, 80 percent of the time, and we've still been able to run it," he said. "We can keep rolling if we do our jobs."
Coach Mike Carter is pleased to have two more talented athletes filling those vital spots.
"They can do great things, and there are a lot of similarities" (with past combos), he said. "Both have played both positions, and they've believed in themselves. When they get out on that field, they turn it up."
If the Johnnies are going to get to 2-1, they're going to have to do something they haven't done since 2017: beat Granville. The Blue Aces bring a 2-0 mark to Frank Chambers Stadium on Friday, and have allowed only eight points in the two wins.
"Granville is a good team," Carter said. "We have to make sure we're gap sound on defense, maintain possession and control the line of scrimmage."
Against Coshocton, senior outside linebacker Jacob Hochanadel dominated with eight tackles, a sack and three tackles for loss. Senior defensive end McKaden Thomas added six tackles with an assist, after coming up with two sacks and a fumble recovery in the 26-22 loss to Licking Heights.
Marasek said it's pretty simple what Johnstown must do.
"We have to be physical," he said. "We have to go on drives, and we have to make every drive count. We have to come out and hit and set the tone, and not let them set the tone."
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Seems like old times: Johnstown developing another prolific backfield
