Longview’s Laurent Johnson is the ETSN.fm + Dairy Queen Defensive Player of the Week

Longview's trio of senior safeties -- Travin Howard, Laurent Johnson, and Stephan Maxey -- have made plays all year and formed the backbone of the Lobo defense.

Saturday's Class 5A Division II Region II bi-district playoff against Rowlett in Dallas was no different.

Johnson and Howard spearheaded a Longview defense that forced six turnovers, five of which they were directly responsible for, in the Lobos' 46-21 first-round triumph.

Longview S Laurent Johnson. (Courtesy lobosfootball.com)

Johnson recorded 18 tackles, picked off one pass, forced a fumble, and recovered two fumbles, one of which he returned 18 yards for a touchdown. For his huge playoff performance, Johnson is the ETSN.fm/Dairy Queen Defensive Player of the Week.

The 5-foot-8, 160-pound safety enters Saturday's 4 p.m. 5A D-II Region II area playoff against McKinney Boyd with a team-high 99 tackles, plus four interceptions, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries.

Howard also had a huge game this past Saturday. The 6-foot, 178-pounder had seven tackles and picked off two passes, including one he returned 43 yards for a touchdown. Howard enters Saturday's second-round playoff with 72 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a team-high seven interceptions, three forced fumbles, eight pass breakups, one punt block, and three defensive touchdowns. Howard has also returned two punts for scores.

The 5-foot-11, 186-pound Maxey is second on the team with 82 tackles. He also has two picks, a fumble recovery, a punt block, and one defensive touchdown.

Saturday's 25-point win saw Longview's defensive front excel as well. Junior linebacker Jaylon Jackson had 13 tackles and a fumble recovery, while standout senior defensive tackle Zaycoven Henderson added five tackles, two for loss. Junior lineman Trey Lanier had seven tackles and a sack. Senior end DeRodrick Alexander had four tackles and a sack.

Longview held Rowlett to 48 yards on 29 rushes in the win.