3 reasons why Johnston football will have major postseason success

It would have been easy for people to count Johnston out after he started the Iowa high school football season 1-2.

But the dragons roared back.

Since then, Johnston has won five straight games, including Friday's 56-14 win over rival Urbandale. The Dragons were red hot from the first drive, scoring consecutive touchdowns from D'Angelo Barkue to take a 21-0 lead. Barkue finished the game with four touchdowns after adding another in the third quarter.

“I was just ready to go,” Barkue said. “I just wanted to run the ball over them because that’s what I like to do: score touchdowns.”

The last time the Dragons made a run like this, they made it to the UNI-Dome for the first time in school history. Over the last five weeks, it has become crystal clear that Johnston can make another extended trip to the Iowa High School Football Playoff in 2024.

Here are three reasons why the Dragons could play well into November.

1. D'Angelo Barkue leads a productive offense

Johnston senior D'Angelo Barkue discusses the rivalry win against Urbandale

WATCH: Johnston senior D'Angelo Barkue talks about his four touchdowns in the rivalry win over Urbandale

Barkue makes it all over the field.

Whether he's running between tackles for touchdowns at the goal line or taking screen passes for 50-yard scores, Barkue is the star of the offense. The running back is agile and has a unique blend of speed and power. He's not afraid to lower his shoulder for extra yards.

However, his influence could also have an impact on defense. At safety, he played down the field against Urbandale, assisting in the run game and blocking deep shots as the J-Hawks tried to get back into the game.

Along with Bryce Beachem and Nathan King, who each showed potential as downfield options for quarterback Will Nuss, he helped give the Dragons a dynamic offensive game.

Behind them, Johnston has the spark to match anyone in Iowa point-for-point when he's rolling.

2. Johnston is strong in the scrimmage

Let’s take a look at the size of some of Johnston’s offensive lines.

Senior Justin Kronlage, 6-foot-1, 265 pounds
Senior Nick Darling, 6-foot-1, 290 pounds
Junior Cohen Vannausdle, 6-foot-3, 270 pounds
Senior Mason Roethler, 6-foot-1, 235 pounds
Junior Colton McClish, 6-foot-3, 320 pounds.

Unsurprisingly, Barkue and many other running backs amassed well over 1,000 yards on the ground this season, contributing to a much cleaner campaign for Nuss behind center.

“Kudos to my (offensive) line for blocking, they try hard every day,” Barkue said. “I love them, boys.”

The defensive front isn't quite as stout as the offensive line, but against a dynamic J-Hawks running attack, the Dragons largely swallowed everything Urbandale tried. The only Urbandale touchdowns on the night came after a fumble by Johnston at its own 1-yard line and another on a broken play early in the fourth quarter.

Johnston has the guys leading the way to get to the line of scrimmage almost every time they step on the field, which almost always translates into good results.

3. Veteran leadership

The Dragons needed a steady hand to get out of their early season hole.

There are more than a few of these at Johnston. Nuss is in his third year as starting quarterback and is coming off one of his best seasons yet. Linebacker Jacob Helgeson is known for his leadership skills on and off the field. Barkue's fame also sets an example for the rest of the team.

Behind them, the Dragons appear poised to make a splash deep into the playoffs.

“We will give it our all,” said Barkue. “We’re just going to continue to reach out to whoever comes before us.”

Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.

3 reasons why Johnston football will have major postseason success

ByVanessa

1. D'Angelo Barkue leads a productive offense

2. Johnston is strong in the scrimmage

3. Veteran leadership

By Vanessa

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