Texas’ Defense Overpowers

Derrick Johnson is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound linebacker from Waco, Texas, who was such a big-time football player that his high school retired his uniform number.

When he intercepted a pass during the third quarter of Saturday’s Shrine All-Star Classic, he didn’t just run with the ball--he put on moves that would have earned him an A in dance class.

“I just tried to shake and bake,” he said.

Johnson returned the interception 52 yards for a touchdown that provided the decisive points in helping Texas defeat California, 10-7, before 6,500 at Mt. San Antonio College.

It was the first victory in seven games for Texas in the annual series matching recently graduated seniors. The big difference was that Texas brought many of its elite players, but California didn’t, particularly on the offensive line, because of player defections.

California finished with minus-13 yards rushing. Texas’ defensive line, led by team most valuable player Tommie Harris, overpowered California most of the game.

“They did the best they could,” Coach Greg Gano of Hacienda Heights Los Altos said of his line. “I was proud of them. On paper, [Texas] was 28-point favorites.”

Four times California got inside the 23-yard line but failed to score. Kicker Chris Jones missed three field-goal attempts.

The different playing styles were on display. Texas thrives on running the ball, California passing.

“Pound ‘em and pound ‘em,” Texas defensive back Dewayne Brandon said of his team’s strategy.

Early on, California had the advantage.

Matt Douglas of Lakewood Mayfair returned an interception 29 yards to the Texas 30. Three plays later, Jason Harrison, who will play for UCLA, scored on a 10-yard run with 2:14 left in the first quarter to give California a 7-0 lead.

Texas closed to 7-3 at halftime on a 35-yard field goal by Mike Northren.

Quarterback Kyle Matter of Newhall Hart had completed all eight of his passes until he tried to find tight end Shaun Cody on a middle screen midway through the third quarter.

Johnson, a Parade All-American set to attend Texas, remembered California attempting a similar play earlier.

“It was just like a treat waiting for me,” he said.

Matter, bound for Stanford, finished 15 for 24 for 112 yards. He led California to the five-yard line with just more than two minutes left, but consecutive incompletions ended the drive.

“Their defensive line was excellent and we had a difficult time picking them up,” Matter said.

California’s defense produced two fumbles and two interceptions. The line featured two USC-bound players, Cody of Los Altos and Jason Wardlow of Upland. They combined for four sacks.

Receiver Earvin Johnson of Cathedral was chosen California’s most valuable player after making six receptions for 74 yards.