Manny Johnson wasn't involved in the first 16 losses in an 18-game drought that Iroquois dragged into its Region 2 opener against Northwestern.
However, Johnson was in charge for the last two setbacks as the Braves' rookie coach. Although the current Braves lost their first two games of the season to Mercer and Maplewood, they were by just a combined nine points.
That margin is why Johnson sensed the program’s first win in nearly two years was soon.
Soon arrived Friday.
Iroquois, highlighted by turnovers on defense and special teams and two goal-line stands, defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 13-7 at John L.