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Waynesville's Tyler Johnson set for playoff showdown

Waynesville senior Tyler Johnson said he looks forward to playing against Clinton-Massie – a team his class has never beaten. File photo

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By Scott Hayes, Staff Writer 12:04 PM Thursday, November 5, 2009

Waynesville High senior Tyler Johnson has been a three-year starter at defensive back for the Spartans.

The highlights of his career have been playing in playoff games. The lowlight? Not beating Clinton-Massie.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, Johnson and the rest of the Spartans get a chance to rectify that when they face the Falcons in the first round of the Division IV playoffs.

Johnson sat down to talk about the upcoming game and reflections on his career earlier this week.

Q: What does it mean to be part of the only class in Waynesville history to make the playoffs three years in a row?

A: “It’s good to keep the tradition going. I hope it continues in the future. It feels right to be in the playoffs, like we’re supposed to be. It wouldn’t feel the same if we didn’t make it.

“It was questionable after two early losses, but we just played it week by week and did what we could on the field to give ourselves a chance to get in. And we did.”

Q: Are you happy that your first opponent is Clinton-Massie — a team your class has never beaten?

A: “It’s the greatest feeling ever besides winning that first playoff game last year. It’s a dream come true to get another shot at them. For the seniors, it’s a second chance to get a win over them and prove how good we are.”

Q: What’s it going to take to get over the hump against the Falcons?

A: “We’re proud of the fact that in our first game with them we proved that we could compete with their smash-mouth football. We just have to do it again, tackle well and control their running game.”

Q: Seth Millar and Cory Young get all the attention on offense. What’s that like as a wide receiver?

A: “Blocking is as big a part of being a wide receiver if not bigger. The right block can break a touchdown run.”

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