JOHNSTON CITY — The Johnston City Indians beat Sesser-Valier/Waltonville 35-14 to not only clinch a playoff spot but also move into the driver’s seat in the Black Diamond Conference race.

The Indians are 6-1, 6-0 in the BDC. They will win the conference title outright with wins over Carmi-White County and CZR the final two weeks of the regular season.

The Red Devils fall to 5-2 overall and in the conference, with games remaining at home against Flora and at Hamilton County.

SVW jumped on top quickly, scoring on the opening possession when Carson Hoffard and Brock Chelf combined for a 59-yard touchdown pass. The Red Devils then recovered a fumble on Johnston City’s first offensive play but could not convert it to points.

The Indians’ offense then got going. Heath Neibch threw two touchdowns and ran in a third to lead the attack. Johnston City built a 28-7 lead by halftime, and then kept the Red Devils at bay in the second half. The Indians’ defense came up with multiple stops after the Red Devils made it deep inside JC territory.

Johnston City is at Carmi-White County next week, while SVW will host Flora.