'It's just special': Formerly paralyzed QB has perfect game for Green Canyon in win


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LOGAN — Quarterback Jonny Stott had a perfect game Friday night as the Green Canyon Wolves beat the Logan High Grizzles 36-35 in overtime.

Stott finished the game 1-of-1 and threw for 4 yards.

Stott was born with a rare genetic mutation that left him paralyzed, but he’s never let that stop him from beating the odds placed in front of him. His determination to show people that he can overcome whatever obstacle is thrown him started at a young age.

“He’s had to overcome a lot of 'I cant’s, can't do that, you aren’t going to be able to do that,'" his mom LaLoni Stott said. "In his head he wants to show you he can.”

From the time he was little Jonny loved football. His mom joked that his love for the game started five minutes after birth. He’s always had a football in his hands.

Having Jonny start on senior night was an idea that both the principal at Green Canyon and the head football coach wanted to make happen.

“He’s just so authentic, humble and genuine,” principal Dave Swenson said. “He’s really the epitome of what you think a student athlete would be. I once heard there’s a lot of greatness in the world, but not enough goodness, he’s goodness."

Head coach Craig Anhder approached his team about allowing Jonny, who has been one of the team managers, to suit up on senior night. The idea went from letting Jonny suit up to letting him enter the game as the starting quarterback on senior night. The whole team was for it.

“Jonny, he’s that kid you want to help succeed in everything he does,” Andher said after his team won. “He defies the odds, he inspires our team. I think the loudest cheer tonight was when he was announced as the starting quarterback. That may have beat the game-winning touchdown. It was so fun to watch the kids rally around him and give him that opportunity to go out and make that play.”

When the team told Jonny that he would be the starting quarterback Friday night, he couldn’t control his emotions.

“I started crying when they told me I was starting quarterback,” Jonny said. “I was so happy.”

The play was set up perfectly for Jonny, who had been practicing all week long with his teammates. The excitement of the night added some nerves for Jonny, but he reflected on what he did in practice all week.

“I was so excited,” Jonny said after the game. “In the locker room dressing varsity and playing with them, it was so fun.”

A 4-yard pass to Ty Spencer made Jonny’s first start for the Wolves a perfect one.

“It’s just special,” Spencer said. “Having Jonny as our manager, having him start senior night, and having him come out and throw the ball to me, it just means a lot. He’s always been there for us, putting stuff away after practice, just so supportive. Having him start on senior night is just something special.”

Jake Lundin, who came in for Jonny after the first play, said he looks up to Jonny and the determination he has to life.

“It just changed how I look at everything, and how much I appreciate everything around me ... and how happy he makes everyone around him,” Lundin said.

The happiness that Jonny radiates was vividly apparent after the game. He was taking pictures with his family and fans; he was all smiles after the win on senior night.

Jonny’s advice is simple.

“Don’t let struggles get to you like how I didn’t let struggles get to me.” Carra McManamon is a native of Washington State and is attending the University of Utah. Contact her at cmcmanamon@deseretdigital.com or follow her on Twitter: @curramac22

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