D6 Sports Network Twenty Greatest Teams of the 2000's. #8

8. 2004 Johnstown

The Scoop-The 2004 Johnstown Trojans had a wealth of talent and put together a fine season in the Laurel Highlands. Perhaps the best player on this list carried this team to a District Six AAA Championship. LaRod Stephens-Howling was the franchise player for the Trojans for three seasons and is the best player from District Six of the modern era, no questions asked.  His senior season was just another chapter of his storybook career at Johnstown. He rushed for 1,875 yards and 32 Touchdowns as a part of his 4,597 yard 57 Touchdown career.  The Trojans owe a lot of success to Stephens-Howling, but the team overall was pretty good.  Scott Corson and Mike Kush led a big line that paved the way for LaRod. The season started out dtrong for the Trojans as they posted a season high 61 points against Cambria Heights. Westmont upset the Trojans in Week 3. Johnstown also fell to Bishop McCort 17-14 in Week 7 in a road game at Trojan Stadium.  Johnstown went on a roll from there and captured the District Title over Bellefonte.  The Trojans' season ended to a very good Selinsgrove team in the State Playoffs.

The Stars-LaRod Stephens-Howling was obviously the star of the show. He went on to start as a Freshmen and Sophomore at Pitt and continued to be one of Pitt's most valuable offensive players for the duration of his career. LaRod was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a valuable player on offense and returns. Scott Corson went on to earn a scholarship at Pitt also.  Antwaun Reed was just a Freshmen, but went on to Pitt and started for two season, and is currently working on making the Cleveland Browns.  Josh Miller was a key member of the team and went to IUP.

The Argument-2004 Johnstown did not dominate the LHAC, but they had a very good season.  They lost a highlt contested battle with Bishop McCort in one of the more memorable games in that rivalry. LaRod Stephens-Howling's ability helps carry this team a lot. He is the best player I have ever seen from the area in my lifetime, and you could obviously tell he was a stud right away.  The team had plenty of athletes across the field. They lost three games by a total of 20 points, so they were right in every game.  I do feel this was the best Johnstown team of the 2000's and they earn the respect of making the Top 10.