Johnson and Demby named VDN’s Defensive Players of the Year

Hard work and positive results on the football field left athletes Julien Demby and Demarcus Johnson being named VDN’s Co-Defensive Players of the Year.Once teammates but both still dominate players, Demby and Johnson both became the face of their team’s defense in 2023.

Demby:

Demby, an outstanding linebacker for Warren Central High School, was able to target any ball carrier during the season from the left-to-right side of the field. He finished his senior year with 117 tackles, three sacks, five interceptions and three defensive touchdowns.

There wasn’t a game this season that Demby’s name wasn’t heavily called in as he earned many honors throughout the year. Performances like when he grabbed 15 tackles against Grenada led to Demby being named an All-State player, All-District, All-County and playing in the Mississippi vs. Alabama All-Star Game.

“I tried my hardest in everything I did and I believe that it all paid off ,” Demby said.

That hard work in the field has certainly paid off for Demby as he went from having a scholarship offer from nearly every junior college in Mississippi, to now earning the attention of some four year schools who have now put offers on the table.

For the last couple of years Demby has been under the leadership of WC Head Coach Josh Morgan where he was a key figure on the Viking defense that only allowed 14.3 points per game along with winning a district title.

Demby was not just chosen to be a leader, but was a clear example that a great athlete can impact any team, due to him transferring from VHS after his sophomore year.

Demby becomes the third athlete to ever win this award as great things are still in progress as he will announce his college destination soon.

“I feel like I earned this and I put in the work and the time but I give all the glory to God,” Demby added.

Johnson:

The Johnson name is no stranger to anyone when it comes to football as he has put in much work on the field over the last four years. The aggressive defensive tackle finished with 100 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2023 to help VHS finish with a 7-4 record.

Often double-teamed, Johnson still managed to bust through the line of scrimmage and become the second lead tackler for Warren County in 2023. He was under the leadership of Head Coach Christopher Lacey where the Gators wrapped up another successful season.

Due to Johnson’s great style of play, he was selected as All-District Defensive MVP as well as being selected to play in the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game.

“Every time I step on the field it’s to do a job and I truly believe that I successfully completed that task every Friday night this year,” Johnson said.

Johnson clearly has the stats of a highly ranked athlete, but due to his height he’s been underrated by many but continues to grind and push forward. He’s earned many junior college offers along with a couple of four year schools as of now.

Being overlooked never stopped Johnson’s work ethic as he never lined up against an offensive line that he couldn’t handle. He helped VHS secure big wins in 2023 but also in 2022 as a junior where the Gators reached the third round of the playoffs.

Johnson will share this award with Demby as both have proven on why they’re the top dogs in the city. Johnson also won this award in 2022.

“This was no surprise but I’m just happy to see my hard work go unnoticed and I’m just ready to play on the next level,” Johnson added.

Like Demby, Johnson will be making his announcement soon on his future plans.