Johns Creek Heads to Playoffs in 2nd Varsity Year

One important fact might be overlooked amid excitement of the Johns Creek football team's first-ever qualification last week for the state playoffs.

Of the city's three teams – , and – the Gladiators reached the playoffs soonest in their football history.

In just their third season in the sport and second of varsity, the Gladiators last week beat Forsyth Central 44-14 to finish second in Region 7-AAAA and reach Friday's first round of state against visiting Flowery Branch.

It took defending state champion Chattahoochee, the region winner who'll host Habersham Central, until its fifth season to reach the first round of state in 1995. Northview, whose season ended with Friday's 36-35 loss to Centennial, still hasn't made it in 10 seasons of football.

"When you start a new school, you expect it'll take a while to have (this kind of) success," Gladiators coach Mike Cloy said. "We're fortunate it's jelled as quickly as it has."

Success might not have been expected this soon, considering Johns Creek drew from Chattahoochee, a school with recent success after six years of mediocrity, and Northview, a school yet to enjoy a winning record. After winning no more than two consecutive games in their first varsity season of 2010, few might have expected the Gladiators to start this year 5-0 and enter the postseason 9-1.

"You never know how long it'll take (a new team) to buy into what you're doing and grow and mature," Cloy said. "It's been neat. I'm not completely astonished or surprised, but everyone else might be."

Johns Creek cornerback Parker Asbell, who had three tackles and a team-leading sixth interception Friday, as well as returned a punt for a touchdown, was among those who initially never fathomed this success.

"It's actually a big surprise to me," the senior said. "In all seriousness, I didn't think we'd do this. I had a pretty confident feeling we had a chance to make the playoffs, but didn't think it'd be this obvious."

In contrast, safety Andre Biggins, who made a team-high seven tackles last week, expected this success all along.

"I knew if we played our best, we'd at least get to the playoffs," he said. "We've kept our heads up throughout the entire season."

Having made believers of many, the Gladiators enter Friday's 7:30 p.m. game having won four straight since their lone 19-16 loss to Chattahoochee in overtime. Of the nine teams Johns Creek has beaten, only Northwest Whitfield came within single digits (24-18) and two never even scored.

The key has been Johns Creek's well-rounded play. Quarterback Skye Overton's 89 yards rushing and 49 passing, alongside Blake Storm's 58 yards and a touchdown rushing, last week keyed the Gladiators' 342 offensive yards. Linebacker Matt Gorst matched Biggins' seven tackles and safety Will Somers returned an interception 40 yards for a score.

But Cloy hinted nothing will be easy against Flowery Branch, the No. 3 seed from Region 8-AAAA. The Falcons were ranked No. 3 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, until their bid for a perfect regular season was ruined last week by Clarke Central's 60-yard touchdown in the final three minutes. The Gladiators are keenly aware Flowery Branch has reached the playoffs seven consecutive times, with appearances in the final in 2008 and semifinal in '09.

Cloy said his players remain emotionally rooted despite their success. He commended their workman-like attitude, even after outscoring their last four opponents by nearly 22 points on average.

"The biggest thing we have to do is take care of the things we can and not have breakdowns and make mistakes," Cloy said. "Our objective going in is make sure we're prepared and ready to compete."