Morris christens new turf with win over Plano

MORRIS – Many firsts took place Friday night when Morris played its initial home football game on its new artificial turf field.

Morris received the first kickoff, and Myles Johnston scored the first touchdown on the new turf, taking a screen pass from Zach Romak and scooting 23 yards into the end zone to give Morris a 7-0 lead en route to a 35-12 win. It also was the first Redskins’ football victory in the new stadium.

“We have so many weapons and anyone can be the top receiver any week,” said Johnston, who finished with four catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns after not catching a pass in the season-opening win over Rochelle last week. “ Tonight was my night, I guess.

“I wasn’t even thinking about being the first one to score a touchdown on the new field. I suppose when I get older and think back on it, it will be pretty cool.”

The quick start continued for the Redskins, as Plano quarterback Dez Corral couldn’t handle a low snap on the Reapers’ first play from scrimmage and Morris’ Drayden McKerrow recovered the loose ball at the Plano 25. Romak connected with John Landers for a 14-yard touchdown pass and Henry Hansen’s kick gave the Redskins a 14-0 lead with 8:53 left in the first quarter.

Romak finished 17 of 31 for 207 yards and three touchdowns, completing passes to eight different receivers.

“We have such a deep receiving corps,” Morris coach Alan Thorson said. “On any night any one of those guys can step up and have a great game. Tonight Myles had a great game, and he didn’t even catch a pass last week.

“This wasn’t the prettiest game, but I am proud of the kids for coming out and getting their first win on the turf.”

Plano got on the board midway through the first quarter when Anthony Licea broke a tackle at the line on 4th and 1 and raced 38 yards for a touchdown to cut the Morris lead to 14-6. Licea finished with 85 yards on 20 carries.

“Anthony ran hard,” Plano coach Rick Ponx said. “He only weighs about 150 pounds. Morris’ linemen and linebackers weigh a lot more than that, but Anthony kept sticking his nose in there.

“We know what happened last year when they came to our place, and we know the tradition they have. That’s what we are looking to get to.”

Redskin defensive back Cam Anderson intercepted a pass at the Plano 28 on the first play of the second quarter and returned it to the 5. Two plays later, Landers scored from four yards out to make it 21-6.

“The interception was an awesome feeling,” Anderson said. “I thought I was going to score, but our offense finished it up and scored. It feels great to open up the new field with a win. No other team will ever get to do that.

“The best feeling is being 2-0. We are aiming for the conference championship.”

Morris forced a Plano punt and took over on the Reapers’ 48. On 2nd and 11 from the 36, Romak lofted a pass down the left side of the field. Johnston had his man beat but had to come back for the ball. He caught it and went into the end zone to give the Redskins a 28-6 lead, which they took into halftime.

“I was hoping no one was going to come up and hit me,” Johnston said. “It seemed like it was in the air forever. But no one hit me and I was able to score again.”

Landers scored from seven yards out early in the third quarter, and Plano capped the scoring with a 34-yard touchdown pass from Corral to Kameron Williams.

“A year ago, we might have quit being down like that at halftime,” Ponx said. “But I am proud of the way the kids fought to make it 7-6 in the second half against a darn good football team. That’s something we can take away from this and keep building from.”

Sam Reddinger led the Morris ground game with 55 yards on nine carries, while Landers had 53 yards on 14 attempts.

“We were a little sloppy tonight,” Thorson said. “I would have liked to see our running game work a little better, and we had way too many penalties. There is definitely some room for improvement, but our goal was to be 2-0 at this point, and that’s where we’re at.

“I was very happy with our defense, and our special teams played well tonight, too.”