BELLEVILLE — Talk about your fast starts.

James Johnson and Belleville East exploded from the starter’s block of the 2025 high school football season like Usain Bolt and left Collinsville in their wake.

Johnson caught a touchdown pass and intercepted a pass for another score during a 20-point first quarter that sent the Lancers on their merry way to a 40-6 victory shortened by a running clock.

“Everyone should have the feeling of catching a touchdown pass and intercepting one for a touchdown in a quarter,” smiled a quiet, humble Johnson.

Not everyone has Johnson’s physical abilities, however. The 6-foot-3, 187-pound sophomore is chock-full of quick-twitch fibers, speed and the instincts to do something with them.

After high-pointing a 4-yard scoring strike from Kayden Wood just 2:16 i

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