Magical night not surprising

By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com

Maybe the number of touchdowns Bethel quarterback Jace Johnson threw is surprising, but the talent the senior has exuded throughout the last two years has had me believing this has always been possible.

Johnson threw for 8 touchdowns and 336 yards in Bethel’s 54-14 win over Wellston, improving the Wildcats to 3-2 in the process.

Wellston has been good to Mr. Johnson. Last year, Johnson tied the school record with four touchdowns. Amazingly, Bethel coach Kevin Nichols has said in the past that there’s still more to come.

“Jace is an excellent runner,” Nichols said. “Last year, we didn’t have to use him that much because of Josh (Dutton). But this year with the injuries we’ve had, he’s been able to display those talents a little more.”

Meeker is certainly hoping history does not repeat itself. Last year, Johnson set the then school record with 5 touchdowns in a 42-28 victory. That was the end of a crazy night for me in Shawnee as I covered the Lady Wildcats’ softball team at ASA for the semis and then watched Jace put on his show at night. There’s no way Johnson can one-up himself this Friday, right? No, really, right?

Bethel has been an odd team to say the least so far this season. In its two losses, the Wildcats never sniffed victory ( a 32-13 defeat to 5-0 Bridge Creek in week 1 and a 42-12 thumping to 4-1 OCS in week 4). Nichols was ejected in the BC loss. In their three wins, the Wildcats have looked like a top-tier team in the crazy-loaded Class 2A. Outscoring opponents 132-46 in the three wins, yep, Bethel is a head-scratcher.