BOCA RATON – It was a weekend to remember for C.J. Johnson and the East Carolina Pirates.
The 6-foot-2, 222-pound junior wide receiver caught seven passes for 197 yards and four touchdowns from quarterback Holton Ahlers, who had a memorable performance as well (31-for-41, 465 yards, six touchdowns, no interceptions).
One of Johnson’s best plays came off a play in which broke free for a 74-yard score at the 14:12 mark of the second quarter.
2022.
Johnson’s touchdown helped East Carolina (3-2; 1-1 in AAC play) build a 21-0 lead over South Florida (1-4; 0-1 in AAC)
In a game that took place at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton due to Hurricane Ian – it was moved from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa – the Pirates dominated this one from the outset en route to a 48-28 “road” win over the Bulls (“home” team).
Johnson spoke on his performance and how significant it was for him.
“It meant the most, man,” Johnson said. “I lost my grandma this past week. All glory to her, man. It was all her.”
To carry the memory of his grandmother on for the rest of this season, Johnson wants his East Carolina to continue building on this 20-point win that transpired in Palm Beach County.
East Carolina won its first American Athletic Conference (AAC) game this season after dropping a 23-20 decision in double overtime to fellow conference foe Navy on Sept. 24.
“We’re looking to finish the rest of the season just like we did this game,” Johnson said. “Just dominating everyone with violence.”
NEXT GAME FOR EAST CAROLINA: Saturday, Oct. 8 on the road at Tulane (4-1; 1-0 in AAC), 3:30 p.m. kickoff Eastern Standard Time on ESPNU
NEXT GAME FOR USF: Saturday, Oct. 8 on the road at No. 24 Cincinnati (4-1; 1-0 in AAC), 2:30 p.m. kickoff EST on ESPN+
PHOTO CREDIT: Christian Proscia
