Johnnies' Dismuke imposes will on offenses
By Tom Wilson, Newark Advocate - September 7, 2011
Johnstown senior defensive end Joey Dismuke is unassuming and kind of quiet, but all that changes when he steps on the field.
He also isn't your typical defensive lineman. At 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, he's not very imposing, but he makes up for it with his tenacity and shear will to get the job done.
"He is a tremendous young man, and we are so proud of the way he plays," Johnnies coach Mike Carter said. "He gives it 100 percent every single play -- not only in the games, but practice, as well.
"He is one of those quiet leaders that goes out and executes what we have taught him all week long. He plays with a lot of heart. His quickness and strength is outstanding, and he runs really well."
After recording six tackles in the season-opening 38-29 win against Granville, Dismuke continued his high level of play for the second week in a row. He had 10 tackles in a 34-19 win against Heath, and four were for loss, including a sack.
"Coaches tell me all the time to use my quickness and speed to get around bigger offensive linemen," Dismuke said. "I know I'm a little smaller, so I really try to use that to my advantage.
Dismuke also had a fumble recovery against the Bulldogs, and his blocked punt late in the fourth quarter set up the Johnnies' final touchdown to put the finishing touches on a 34-19 victory.
"I knew their guy thought I was going to go outside, so I cut inside real fast," Dismuke said. "The blocker didn't see me coming and fortunately I was able to block it.
"We had a lot of motivation to beat Heath, especially since we hadn't beaten them in the last three years, so it was nice to get the win."
Although the Johnnies are off to a 2-0 start, Dismuke said there is plenty of room for improvement. The Johnnies visit Lakewood (1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday before opening Mid-Buckeye Conference play.
"We really didn't play that well, especially in the second half against Granville," Dismuke said. "We didn't do a good job of staying in our gaps, but for the most part, I thought we stepped it up against Heath.
"If everyone continues to do their job and if we play with discipline, I really think we can be one of the better defenses around. We have a lot of guys that can make plays, and they all fly to the football."