SESSER — Senior Isiah Watson rushed for three touchdowns and Johnston City’s defense made a couple of critical stands helping the Indians remain unbeaten with a 33-28 win at Sesser-Valier/Waltonville.

The Red Devils built a 14-7 second quarter lead only to watch Johnston City score a pair of touchdowns in a 2:59 span late in the first half to take a 21-14 lead. SVW drove all the way to the JC 1-yard line, but the Indians’ defense stuffed Brock Chelf on the final play of the half to maintain the lead.

Johnston City Connor Mowery’s interception in the third quarter set up Watson’s third touchdown of the night for a 27-14 Indians’ lead heading to the fourth quarter.

The Red Devils came roaring back in the fourth. Colt Packer’s 1-yard TD cut it to 27-21. After the Red Devils got a stop defensively, Carson Hoffard and Wyatt Loucks connected for a 56-yard touchdown pass. The extra point put SVW up 28-27.

The Red Devils defense came up with another stop to force a Johnston City punt with 6:00 to go, but officials ruled an SVW player touched the ball, and the Indians recovered.

Boston Peyton promptly scored on a 15-yard touchdown run to put Johnston City back on top 33-28 with 5:03 to play.

The Red Devils marched down the field for a potential game winning score, but Watson knocked away Hoffard’s pass on 4th-and-4 from the Indians’ 25 with 1:45 left to secure the win.

Johnston City improves to 7-0 setting up a showdown Friday night for the Black Diamond Conference championship as the Indians will host fellow unbeaten Carmi-White County. SVW falls to 5-2. The Red Devils can clinch a playoff spot Friday night with a win at Flora.