LSU football commit Ju'Juan Johnson scores 8 TDs as LCA triumphs over Acadiana in season opener

LSU commit Ju'Juan Johnson led Lafayette Christian to a 61-38 victory over Acadiana in a star-studded season opener.

In a thrilling season opener, Acadiana showed signs of life as quarterback Caden DiBetta connected with Jonah Gauthier for a 37-yard touchdown pass just as the first half ended, narrowing the score against Lafayette Christian. However, the Knights, who adhere to an "all gas, no breaks" mentality, quickly extinguished any momentum the Wreckin' Rams had gained when LCA's senior quarterback and LSU commit Ju'Juan Johnson sprinted for a 77-yard touchdown run on the first play of the third quarter.

From that point on, Johnson and LCA dominated the game, leaving Acadiana behind with a final score of 61-38 at Bill Dotson Field on Friday night. Earlier in the day, Acadiana's five-star defensive lineman Dominick McKinley had announced his commitment to Texas A&M, adding to the anticipation surrounding the game.

All eyes were on the LCA-Acadiana matchup, not only within Louisiana but also beyond the state's borders. The game showcased numerous talented players, with McKinley on the Rams' defensive line and Johnson as the Knights' quarterback being the most intriguing pairing.

While the lead changed hands four times in the first half, Johnson continued to deliver impressive plays for the Knights, accounting for all eight of his team's touchdowns – four through passes and four through rushing.

Johnson, who sustained a gash on his forehead during a play in the second quarter when his helmet was pulled off, commented on the Knights' relentless approach, stating, "'All gas, no brakes' is our motto. Regardless of the competition, whether it's a top seed or a lower seed, we always keep pushing forward."

Throughout the game, Johnson accumulated a staggering 449 yards – 316 passing yards and 143 rushing yards.

The Rams, with their split-veer offensive scheme, aren't typically built for 21-point comebacks. To achieve such a feat, the offense must avoid stalling, and the defense must make crucial stops. Unfortunately for Acadiana, they struggled to finish on both sides of the ball during a significant portion of the game. LCA seized these opportunities to extend their lead.

"We couldn't prevent the big plays," remarked Rams coach Matt McCollough. "I believe (Johnson) is probably the best football player in Louisiana. We won't come across someone like him again. They also converted three crucial fourth downs in the first half. They converted a fourth-and-8 for a touchdown, a fourth-and-5 for another score, and a fourth-and-1. We had opportunities to stop them on all three occasions."

Hours before the kickoff, McKinley announced his commitment to Texas A&M, concluding one of the most closely followed recruitments in the state. McKinley, ranked as the top prospect in Louisiana for the Class of 2024, chose the Aggies over Ohio State, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Johnson acknowledged McKinley's talent, describing him as a "great player" with the ability to take over a game.

Despite the attention surrounding McKinley's commitment, McCollough stated that it didn't distract the Rams, as they approached the game with a business-as-usual mindset.

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