Watertown-Mayer finally got a victory for second-year head coach Craig Johnson. In fact, it's the Royals' first of not only his administration, but the Obama administration.
Before Friday's 35-7 romp over Jordan, the Royals' last victory came during MEA Week -- in 2008.
"We felt coming into the year that we had a pretty good ballclub and should have a pretty good season," Johnson said. "I think our No. 1 opponent was in between our ears."
Watertown-Mayer nearly won Sept. 9 at Mayer Lutheran. But a decision to go for two at the end of the game failed and gave the Crusaders the 14-13 edge. That set the table for last Friday's home game against the Hubmen. Twenty-one consecutive games -- nine in front of a home crowd -- without tasting victory.
By halftime, the sweetness of it all was evident.
"To jump right out and get [a 21-0] lead was just great," Johnson said. "We played a great first half, but when you're not used to winning a lot you're just kind of unsure. Once we made it 28-0 late in the third quarter it was like, 'Hey, we got this thing.'"
Fans joined players on the field for a postgame celebration. Johnson, while pleased with the victory, couldn't help but let the coach inside him burn a little on the ride home.
"It was supposed to be a happy day, but we had 10 guys on the field for a few plays at the end and I was mad about that," he grumbled while also chuckling. "You know old coaches -- never satisfied. But I'm happy for the boys to battle through that streak and fight to get the monkey off their back."
