DES MOINES, IA — The Johnston Dragons shut out the Des Moines Roosevelt Roughriders 49-0 on Friday night at Mediacom Stadium. Johnston closed the Iowa high school football regular season with an 8-1 record and the top overall seed in Class 5A.
Johnston took control from the opening kickoff. The Dragons scored early and often, while their defense kept Roosevelt off the scoreboard. The Roughriders finished the regular season at 5-4.
The shutout sends Johnston into the postseason with momentum in Iowa’s largest classification.
Johnston Football Playoff Matchup
The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released the Class 5A pod pairings after Friday’s games. Johnston will open the playoffs at home as the No. 1 overall seed.
The Dragons will host No. 15 seed Pleasant Valley (5-4) on Friday, October 30. Kickoff for the opening-round game is set for 7 p.m.
A win over Pleasant Valley would give Johnston another home game in the quarterfinals on November 6. The Dragons would face the winner of Dallas Center-Grimes vs. West Des Moines Valley.
Roosevelt closes the regular season with a winning record despite the loss. Meanwhile, Johnston turns its attention to the Class 5A state title chase.
Photos by Khamla Sithonnorath