Dragons' Gibson named News-Times/Sports Alley Player of the Year

By Tony Burns

Sports Editor

The football season didn’t get off to a great start for Junction City’s Dhante Gibson. It sure ended well, though.

Gibson, a senior running back/safety, suffered a lower back injury in the Dragons’ season-opener. He came back to lead his team to the 2A state championship, earning Most Valuable Player honors.

“The injury in the first game was scary because we thought it was worse than what it was,” said Gibson, who missed the Dragons’ loss at Smackover. “I wasn’t worried about missing a game because I have great teammates and we have a great trainer that was able to help with my recovery. Therapy wasn’t always the best but I trust him and I made a speedy recovery.”

The 2018 News-Times/Sports Alley Football Player of the Year, Gibson rushed for 1,742 yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging 7.8 yards per carry.

“He’s a big difference maker. He kind of put us on his back, especially the last half of the season. You could see our offense was sparked when he was in there,” said Junction City coach Steven Jones.

“He’s a leader on and off the field. He does that just by going about his business. He leads by example. He’ll light a fire under the guys when he has to. But, he’s more of a lead-by-example guy.”

A downhill runner, Gibson established himself as a between-the-tackles, bruising back. Never was that more evident than when he led Junction City to a 39-22 win over Hazen in the state championship game. He had 21 carries for 153 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-sealing 30-yard TD with 1:13 left to play.

“It was an incredible performance,” said Jones. “He put the team on his back in the second half. He refused to lose and his attitude was contagious. His teammates jumped right in with him. He carried us to a victory.”

Gibson would also record eight tackles, including 1.5 for losses, with an interception. He event punted three times for a 42.7 average.

“It was really exciting to win the MVP. I owe it to my teammates and my offensive line. Without them pushing me to be a better player and believing in me, I wouldn’t have got it,” said Gibson. “But, my goal was never to win the MVP of the state championship game but to win the state championship game itself.”

Gibson verbally committed to play football at Ouachita Baptist University. Chances are, he’ll be playing defense at the collegiate level.

Offense, defense and special teams, Gibson was able to do it all for the Dragons this season. Jones said he was just as special on a random Tuesday afternoon as he was on Friday night.

“I’ve never seen the guy have a bad day,” he said. “He’s an incredible leader and just a joy to be around. He keeps everybody laughing. His positivity throughout the season was contagious to his teammates.”

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