LANSDALE — Christian Johns-Wallace is a difference-maker for North Penn.
Johns-Wallace, a senior linebacker/fullback, leads the Knights with 25 tackles and five sacks in their first three wins.
“Christian is a big player waiting to happen,” North Penn head coach Dick Beck said. “Whether it’s a sack, an interception or a fumble recovery, he makes a lot of those plays for us.”
In the season-opening 28-25 victory over 2023 district semifinalist Downingtown East, Johns-Wallace made an interception that Beck called a “game changer.”
“I heard a lot of national team coaches say we needed to get the ball back,” Johns-Wallace said. “I told them I would get the ball back. I ended up doing it.”
As a junior, Johns-Wallace had 96 tackles, including 10 for loss, along with 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 in my spare time, I can (sometimes) sense a play, like when the quarterback makes eye contact with where he’s going on a sneak.”
Johns-Wallace, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 200 pounds, and North Penn opened Suburban One League national conference play with a 37-7 victory over previously undefeated Neshaminy on Friday night at Crawford Stadium.
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While he’s been a real factor on defense, Johns-Wallace believes he has more of an impact as a short-yardage running back on offense.
“When we need two yards for a TD, I can make my way there,” 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 touchdown on a 3-yard run against Quakertown in Week 3.
Johns-Wallace is also very versatile off the football field. He learned to throw the javelin by watching YouTube and was the only Class AA freshman to qualify for the PIAA state track and field championships at Lansdale Catholic in 2022 before transferring to North Penn for the 10th grade.
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Johns-Wallace has received attention from universities, but is waiting for a better offer.
“I believe I have the physical and mental ability to reach Division I,” he said.
What’s next for Neshaminy football??
Nechaminy hosts Abington September 20.
What’s next for North Penn football?
The Knights host Pennridge September 20.
Tom Moore: [email protected]; @TomMoorePhilly is a sports columnist for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.
This article was originally published in the Bucks County Courier Times: Pennsylvania high school football: Johns-Wallace, North Penn remain undefeated
