Players on the Johnstown-Monroe High School boys golf team have been able to overcome the growing pains many youngsters experience on the course.

Coach Chris Carlisle believes this may come from their work ethic and attitude.

"I'm pleased with the direction they are taking as far as a work ethic on the golf course," he said. "They have dedicated themselves to working on their short games.

"I also can tell that they aren't satisfied with their scores and it's a good thing when they know that they can do better."

The Johnnies improved to 7-1 in the MBC by defeating Danville 169-179 on Sept. 6 at Apple Valley. Sophomore Steven Thiel led with a 38, followed by freshman John Carlisle (41), freshman Dalton Hastings (44), sophomore Kaden Welch (46), sophomore Sam Wirth (47) and sophomore Paul Michel (52).

On Aug. 30, Johnstown defeated Centerburg 167-183 at Clover Valley. John Carlisle and Hastings both shot 40 and were co-medalists.

On Aug. 30, they defeated Centerburg 167-183 at Clover Valley. Freshmen John Carlisle and Dalton Hastings both shot 40 and were co-medalists.

"We're doing well in dual meets, and the scores are coming down," coach Carlisle said. "We had a 167 against Centerburg and when you approach shooting 160 in Division II and Division III golf, you'll win a lot of matches."

On Aug. 16 in the six-team MBC preseason tournament at Table Rock, Johnstown finished second (360) behind Northridge (357). John Carlisle was medalist with a 79. Thiel (90) was next for the Johnnies, followed by Hastings (96), Welch (96), Michel (99) and Wirth (100).

"You can't teach maturity," said coach Carlisle, whose team will compete in the MBC postseason tournament Sept. 17 at Apple Valley. "A lot of times as a coach, you have to take that leadership role and emphasize the team aspect of the sport.

"In the first MBC, we found out we were not playing as well as we thought that we were. I think they gave up a little bit and (thought they) would score a little better. Scoring a 95 instead of a 90 doesn't seem like much, but those five strokes would have been the difference. I think they learned that every stroke matters and you have to work through tough times, stay focused and play for each other."

The Johnnies competed Sept. 8 in the Bexley Invitational at Westchester. They have MBC duals Tuesday, Sept. 11, against Utica at Clover Valley and Thursday, Sept. 13, against Northridge at St. Albans.

MBC play to begin for football team

The football team, which was 1-1 before playing Lakewood on Sept. 7, opens MBC play Friday, Sept. 14, at home against Centerburg.

The game marks the start of the final MBC season as Johnstown, Northridge and Utica will leave for the Licking County League next season.

Last season, the Johnnies beat Centerburg 35-17 en route to winning the MBC title at 7-0.

The Trojans were 2-0 before playing Elyria Catholic on Sept. 7. They defeated Cardington 28-3 on Aug. 24 and Lucas 38-7 on Aug. 31.

In the opener, Centerburg had 309 total yards, including 203 rushing. Quarterback Tyler Stoyle was 10 of 19 passing for 106 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed four times for 60 yards and a score. Joey Valentine had 71 yards rushing on 17 carries with one touchdown and Jeremy Sesma added 67 yards with one score.

Against Lucas, Valentine scored three times and Sesma had one touchdown.

The Johnnies won their first game by defeating Heath 18-14 on Aug. 31. Senior quarterback Tyler Thompson had touchdown runs of 23 and 5 yards and senior Nick Sadinsky had a 50-yard punt return for a score.

Sophomore Cody Farley had 94 yards rushing on 16 carries and senior Blake Duncan added 55 yards on nine carries. Johnstown rushed for 276 yards and finished with 285 total yards.

Johnstown's defense forced five fumbles.

Boys soccer team continues to grow

The boys soccer team fell to 0-4 with a 5-2 loss to Northridge on Sept. 6.

The game was tied at 2 at halftime. The Vikings scored in the first minute of the second half.

"We got a little tired because of our (lack of) depth and our keeper (Jesse Bowman) sprained his ankle," said coach Chris Turner, whose team also lost to Caledonia River Valley 1-0 on Sept. 4. "I think after sitting at halftime, it started to bother him a little more. I think halftime didn't help us as well as we were playing at the end of the first half."

Trevor McGee and Collin Peterson scored and Travis Higgins had an assist. Bowman had nine saves.

"We have a young team and we don't have any seniors," Turner said. "I'm happy to be in this position with young players with a lot of potential than to have a team not reaching its potential with a shaky winning record.

"I'm happy with the skills and effort. I feel we have out-performed most of the teams we have played, even if we didn't win. That didn't happen (against Northridge). They have an excellent team and showed that."

The Johnnies played Lakewood on Sept. 8. They play Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Wellington before facing Northridge at home Thursday, Sept. 13, and visiting Loudonville on Saturday, Sept. 15.