By JIM STEELE
mckenzierebels.com

The McKenzie Rebels have been known for their passing proficiency, having thrown for over 13,000 yards since 2002. But Friday night in their second-round playoff game with visiting Fayette Academy, the Rebels did a little dirt work.

As a result, they picked up a 28-7 victory over the Vikings. Senior running back Tyler Moore followed up his 194-yard, five TD effort last week with an 89-yard effort. But Moore was banged up, stiff and sore battling the physical Vikings. Enter sophomore Jake Johnson. He carried 13 times for 105 yards, scored a touchdown and helped nail down the playoff triumph.

Johnson, not known for his prolix, said he was taken aback with his performance.

"I don't know how to explain it," he said. "We had perfect blocking tonight; all the credit goes to the blockers. We had the best blockers in Tennessee tonight."

Many times through the course of the game, Johnson would break through the line, then put his hand on senior lineman Elijah Harris's back and followed him down the field.

"I just leaned on Eli," said Johnson. "I leaned on him and followed him all night."

"It was good," Harris said. "We work on that in practice; he just runs behind me, makes good cuts and then keeps on running."

Harris said that the Vikings were a handful up front and were very physical: "They came off the ball fast and hard."

Moore was grateful for the relief help from Johnson.

"All I have to say is that I am glad we have someone like Jake backing me up," said Moore, correcting himself at the behest of Johnson. "I'm glad I get relief help from Jake."

Moore remarked that Fayette Academy was a tough customer on defense.

"Their defense flew to the ball," Moore said, "But our line did good. Our fullback blocking was great."

Johnson agreed. "The fullbacks were perfect tonight. Fayette Academy could hit, but our blocking was perfect."

"Jake stepped it up and followed his blocks," said senior lineman Caleb Parham. "We knew he could do it."

Senior lineman Josh Rhoads said Johnson had been beleaguered with an ankle injury earlier in the season and had been used sparingly in the last few weeks. This was a chance for him to break out.

"He's been waiting for this for a long time," Rhoads said. "He's a game-time kid and you gotta love the effort the kid gives."

Johnson drew praise from senior receiver Shabree Payne.

"Jake was awesome," he said. "He got his chance and gave it his best."

Senior all-state quarterback Derek Carr agreed with Payne.

"About every other play, Jake had the potential to go the distance," he said.

Johnson had five carries in the fourth quarter over 10 yards, three over 20.

Another all-stater, linebacker and center Tyler Reeder, said he knew Johnson had it in him all along.

"I knew he was capable of running like that, he said. "He had some injuries and we didn't want to use him until we needed him."