LANSDALE — Christian Johns-Wallace is a difference-maker for North Penn.
Johns-Wallace, a senior linebacker/running back, leads the Knights with 25 tackles and five sacks in their first three victories.
“Christian is a big play waiting to happen,” said North Penn head coach Dick Beck. “Whether it’s a sack or INT or fumble recovery, he makes a lot of those plays for us.”
In the season-opening 28-25 win over 2023 district semifinalist Downingtown East, Johns-Wallace had an interception Beck referred to as “a game changer.”
“I kept hearing (from multiple NP coaches that) we need the ball back,” Johns-Wallace said. “I told them I’ll get the ball back. I ended up doing that.”
As a junior, Johns-Wallace had 96 tackles, including 10 for loss, plus five sacks, four interceptions and three forced fumbles.
“I have a good nose for the ball and my defensive IQ (are strengths),” he said. “When I watch film on own time, I can (sometimes) sniff out a play — like when the quarterback makes eye contact with where he’s going on a quarterback sneak.”
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Johns-Wallace and North Penn opened Suburban One League National Conference play with a 37-7 win over previously undefeated Neshaminy on Friday night at Crawford Stadium.
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While he has been a real factor on defense, Johns-Wallace believes he’s having more of an impact as a short-yardage back on offense.
“When we need two yards for a TD, I can power my way through,” said Johns-Wallace, a 17-year-old Lansdale resident.
He scored the Knights’ first touchdown of the season on a 3-yard run and had another 3-yard TD run against Quakertown in Week 3.
Johns-Wallace is quite versatile off the football field, too. He taught himself how to throw the javelin primarily by watching YouTube and was the only Class AA freshman to qualify for the PIAA state track championships at Lansdale Catholic in 2022 before transferring to North Penn for 10th grade.
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Johns-Wallace has been getting some attention from colleges but is waiting for a better offer.
“I believe I have the physical and mental ability to make it to Division I,” he said.
What’s next for Neshaminy football?
Neshaminy hosts Abington on Sept. 20.
What’s next for North Penn football?
The Knights host Pennridge on Sept. 20.
Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com; @TomMoorePhilly is a sports columnist for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: PA High School Football: Johns-Wallace, North Penn remain undefeated
