GRAY DEYOSports Writer

Two Wildcat football players won 5-5A regional player of the year awards—senior Khani Johnson won region special teams player of the year and junior Marvancy Johnson won regional offensive player of the year. Both were standouts in their respective roles and positions. Head Coach of Tullahoma Coy Sisk said they were both more than deserving of the awards.

Khani played wide receiver and was the Wildcats’ primary punt returner. His hard work and dedication to perfecting his craft generated great success as he hung up his pads, finishing his fourth and final year for Tullahoma.

“He understood the amount of work he had to put in to become the guy he wanted to be,” coach Sisk said regarding Khani.

“He’s been a great example of that for our younger guys. Monday through Thursday, normally Khani is one of the last guys to come off the field.”

The extended hours and extended reps Khani put in manufactured impressive results, as he ended his senior season with 798 yards and 9 TDs. Coach Sisk will without a doubt miss his punt returner’s presence headed into next season.

“His overall attitude. He is a guy who shows up to work ready to go. I know you all do not get to see it much inside the helmet, but the guy just has a look about him and he just kind of smiles. I’ll just miss the everyday little things,” Coach Sisk said.

Marvancy Johnson, the feature running back for the Wildcats last season, had a year to remember. The star of Tullahoma’s offense ran for 1,500 yards and scored 19 TD, in the 11 games the Wildcats played.

“I expect him to continue to grow and continue to get better,” said coach Sisk regarding what he anticipates from his star running back headed into next season.

Marvancy was unleashed his junior season, leaving some people wondering, “Well where the heck has this guy been?”

Sisk was well aware of the guy they had waiting in the wings when Marvancy was a sophomore. He just wanted him to grow into his body a bit more, and gain more confidence in the process. There is no telling what another year of training, and lifting weights could equate to next year for the shifty halfback.

The tandem of Marvancy and Khani Johnson have left a lasting imprint on the program, and as Khani walks away from Tullahoma High School the impact he left on the field and in his school will remain. Marvancy will grab the torch, run forward and continue to improve this program as he suits up for his senior season next year.

“We talk to our guys about the program, it’s different than a team. Nobody is bigger than the program. What it is, is what legacy are you leaving? What makes you special in that program, and what are you leaving behind,” Coach Sisk said regarding what impact his two players have had on Tullahoma football.

“What both these guys are leaving behind, is one, they are humble humans and good men. When they score a touchdown, they act like they have done it before, when they get a first down they act like they’ve done it before. They congratulate their teammates before they take credit. And then within the program once you are there, what do you do outside of it? Everybody loves you when you’re on the field doing great things, but what are you out walking around when you are not between the white lines? Both of these guys are really, really good citizens, and they are both going to be great community leaders one day.”