By Don Ketchum

Brian Johnson is one of Show Low’s hardest hitters on defense, and the Cougars will need that type of play on Saturday when they face neighboring rival Lakeside Blue Ridge in the Division IV football championship games at Northern Arizona University’s Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff.

The two teams met for the old Class 3A title a year ago, with Show Low emerging victorious.

“Every time we play them, we know we always have to be prepared. We know what we are up against. We don’t need that much motivation,’’ said Johnson, a linebacker.

Blue Ridge (13-0) defeated Show Low 10-9 during the regular season, so Show Low (11-3) is eager to turn the tables.

“Both of us will try to mix things up a lot,’’ Johnson said. “We will have to be more aggressive.’’

He also plays running back, is more of a blocking back, but he prefers defense.

“I love defense,’’ he said. “I love hitting people.’’

Show Low and Lakeside are separated by only about a dozen miles of road. Most of the players have known each other since their younger days.

“We see them in other sports, too,’’ said Johnson, who also participates in track.

Johnson marvels at the ability of teammate Josh Weeks, who plays quarterback in the Wildcat formation and is a member of the secondary. Weeks has committed to BYU.

“I’m glad he’s on my team. I would hate to play against him,’’ Johnson said. “He can play any position on the field.’’

And so a new chapter of talk between the towns’ residents will continue as the rivalry moves back to Flagstaff, about two hours away.

“It’s pretty intense. A lot of people come to watch us,’’ Johnson said. “We are looking forward to it. We want to have a good showing, write another story for people to talk about.’’