We want to extend a big congratulations to UCHS Head Football Coach Derek Johns who was recently named the Class 3A District 1 Coach of the Year! Coach Johns has led this year’s Braves to another impressive regular season record of 9-1. They were also undefeated in district play and captured the District Championship for the fourth consecutive year. Coach Johns is in the midst of the most successful run in Union County football history, as the Braves are 36-5 in the last 41 games! Johns has spent the last 8 seasons as the Braves head coach, and this is the third time he has won this award.
Also, we offer a big congratulations to UCHS junior quarterback Jarren Johnson who was named the Class 3A District 1 Player of the Year! Jarren has rushed for 1,656 yards and 27 touchdowns on 175 carries. He has also passed for 428 yards and another 4 touchdowns, completing 29 of 58 pass attempts. Such success is especially meaningful considering Johnson suffered a season-ending leg injury last year that required surgery and a hard-fought road to recovery. Johnson is the third Union County player in four years to receive this award, following Corithian Seales-Portee in 2020 and Cannon Sheffer in 2021.
Johns and Johnson now look to lead the Braves through a successful playoff run and a quest for a state championship. The team will begin the playoffs this Friday at home against the Adair County Indians at 6:00 pm.
Congratulations to Coach Johns and Jarren! Go Braves!!