Chase Pollack hauls in a TD…that wasn’t.
Inspiration in the form of Jimmy “Swagger” and his wide open offensive attack made a long awaited return to Clemens Stadium Saturday afternoon. Just when it appeared offensive coordinator Jimmy Gagliardi was contemplating a return to the Power I, the J’s rolled out their more familiar forward passing attack in an eye opening playoff win against The University of Redlands Bulldogs.
Johnnie Swagger sorely lacked in last weekends championship loss to Bethel and was infrequently displayed during the 2007 regular season. The self-confidence Johnnie fans had hoped would appear in the post season appeared elusive for nearly two quarters on Saturday before coach John Gagliardi “woke up the echoes” and shed nearly 30 years in appearance in an outburst aimed at regaining a stolen touchdown.
In what may be the seminal moment in this year’s playoff run could best be described as a classic Gagliardi challenge when Chase Pollock reached over the top of a Bulldog defender to catch an AK-11 touchdown pass while backpedaling into the end zone. From nearly 60 yards away in section 103 it was apparent the skillful Pollock had gained possession of the ball. In what should have been called an end zone catch by virtue of Pollock’s instantaneous possession of the ball was ruled a no-catch.
What followed the “no-touchdown” call could be likened to a fight breaking out in a hockey game with the entire Johnnie Nation rising to its feet crying out in mass disagreement. An initial chorus of boos became resounding rage as John engaged the officials in an animated expression of disbelief. Instantly six quarters of football hangover was flushed and suddenly The Johnnie Football Team had a mission for the 2007 playoff run. The silent hand of fate had moved and the Redlands Bulldogs were now a Johnnie playoff victim.
Junior Johnnie Tackles Luke and Gunderson
This isolated response to a legitimate touchdown stolen by a crew of WIAC officials will undoubtedly be singled out as a major turning point this post-season. How so? Prior to the call it was a 21-6 Johnnie lead. Post call became a quarter ending field goal and was now part of a 17 point rally over little more than a minute 49 seconds, propelling the J’s to a half time lead of 24–6.
The renewed Johnnie vigor was also brewing prior to the opening kickoff when offensive lineman Jason Brodmerkel stopped at the Johnnie Tailgate and guaranteed at least 28 points on the day. In typical John Gagliardi fashion Brodmerkel under promised and over delivered.
Even Johnnie defensive back Dominic Haik had a chance to strut his stuff while thwarting repeated attempts by the Redlands offense to complete passes over the left side of the field.
In a season that could be deemed underachieving with incredible swings of efficiency followed by quarters of ineffectiveness suddenly became razor sharp in a short span of time in the second quarter. Thanks to an 81 year old Football Sage who isn’t shy about sharing his opinion, the Johnnie football team now has a reason to believe.
The Swagger has returned. Thank you John Gagliardi.
