Grafton senior quarterback Jett Johnson suffered a devastating injury in the Clippers’ 24-0 win over Bruton High Friday night, one that will likely bring an end to his high school career.
On only Grafton’s second offensive play of the game Johnson rolled out to the right on a quarterback zone play and “executed it beautifully,” head football coach Jared Van Acker said. However, after scampering 15 yards downfield, Johnson landed awkwardly in stride and tumbled to the ground, untouched.
His leg had snapped roughly six to eight inches above the ankle. After being carted off the field and rushed to the hospital, Van Acker said it was later diagnosed as a broken tibia and fibula. Johnson was expected to undergo surgery Friday night.
“It was one of those nasty injuries that happen every in awhile that you just hate to see,” Van Acker said after the game. “The mood was real somber on the sidelines for a while.
“Jett’s a major part of our football team, but his season his probably over.”
Van Acker added that his team was a little shaken up but managed to pull themselves together and refocus fairly quickly.
Johnson’s replacement, P.J. Jackson connected with wide out Jesse Santiago for two first-half touchdowns and running back Dylan Bartells chipped in with an 18-yard touchdown run as Grafton led 21-0 at the half.
Brian Anderson legged a 44-yard field goal in the fourth quarter while the Clippers’ defense held the Panthers to under 150 yards of total offense.
“P.J. came in and had a good game, Dylan ran the ball hard and the defense was lights out,” Van Acker said. “I give coach [Tommy] Bayse credit for challenging his defense, and they responded.
“I was real proud with how my team responded and came together to get this victory for Jett.”
