With a score of 35-31, the Pittsburg Pirates, led by Head Coach Victor Galli, defeated the Wilcox Chargers.
Senior, Jerry Johnson (#11) is a 6'3", 190-pound quarterback for the Pittsburg Pirates, who continues to develop into a convincing player year after year. On Friday night, Johnson went 24-37 passing and threw a total of 305 yards.
Although the Pirates knew it was going to be a highly anticipated game, they went into the first quarter with a good mindset. During the fourth quarter of this non-league match-up, Pittsburg was having a hard time stopping Wilcox's offense and the energy started to fade as the crowd left early. However, with only twenty-seven seconds left in the game, Johnson threw a touchdown that sealed Pittsburg's victory over Wilcox. "He stays calm, keeps his eyes on the end of the field and then throws the ball with velocity," says Coach Galli when recapping Johnson's performance.
"Over the summer, it was an open competition between two great players for the quarterback position," says Coach Galli. "Jerry worked hard and was able to show us his potential during a record breaking game in the beginning of our season. If his skills continue to mature like this, he might be one of the best players that I have had the privilege of coaching."
Until recently, Johnson has been a two-sport athlete for many years, retiring from baseball this past year. Even with all of his athletic responsibilities, Johnson continues to stay focused on academics during his last year of high school.
As the school of this week's recipient of the 49ers PREP High School Player of the Week Award presented by U.S. Bank, Pittsburg High School will receive a $500 grant towards its football program. As part of this award, Johnson will receive two tickets to a 49ers home game where he will be recognized on the field during the pre-game ceremony. At the end of the season, Johnson will be presented with his award by 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan during a closed practice at the SAP Performance Facility.
Congratulations, Jerry!
