Blackmon and Johnston Are Two Of PCA’s Top Returning Linemen

In just a little over 24 hours, Porter’s Chapel Academy football team will step foot on the field to play their season opener. Linemen Jackson Blackmon and Conley Johnston both expressed how they’re well-prepared for the 2024 season.

After completing a 12-1 season in 2023, the Eagles still have plenty of talent on their roster.

Blackmon:

Blackmon is one of PCA’s aggressive offensive linemen that paved the way for that historical season last year. He is responsible for an offense that had 1,937 passing yards, 3,209 rushing yards, 78 rushing touchdowns, and 42 receiving touchdowns in 2023.

Although some of those players have moved on, Blackmon is confident that the Eagles are still a top-notch football team heading into the 2024 season.

“I think it’s going to be a good season because we still have the strive and motivation to be great,” Blackmon said.

Blackmon is strictly an offensive lineman and he testified that blocking is his gift and that his job is to protect the quarterback and the ball carrier. 

Johnston:

Johnston was one of the top defensive linemen in the district in 2023 as he racked up multiple awards, including Defensive MVP. He came away with 75 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and seven sacks, and earned All-MAIS honors.

Last season, Johnston was able to bust through the line of scrimmage with ease and attack the ball carrier. He also testified that although they’re missing key pieces from last year, PCA will still have a great team in 2024.

“We’re in a lot of shape and we’re very strong but anything less than a championship is disappointing,” Johnston said.

Johnston spent his summer participating in football camps as he gained interest from a few colleges. His pass-rushing game has only gotten better since last season and he mentioned that he’ll also be on the offensive line where he has a chance to protect the quarterback.

Both Johnston and Blackmon are playing under Head Coach Blake Purvis.