PALM BEACH GARDENS – In what has been a year of growing pains and setbacks, Khani Johns has found a way to dig deep and rise above it all.
No moment in Benjamin’s season was more triumphant than the senior running back and linebacker reaching the end zone in last Friday night’s (Nov. 6) Class 3A play-in game against Westminster Christian.
At the 7:36 mark of the second quarter, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound two-way player muscled past the Westminster Christian line en route to an 8-yard touchdown run. His scored tied the game up at 6-6, setting the tone for Benjamin’s eventual 20-13 win.
For that and more, Johns has been selected as our Week 9 Honorable Mention – Offense.
“I have been recognized already, but this is the most I have been recognized, and it feels amazing,” Johns said. “I feel like it may be a little too late, but it’s a blessing. I didn’t doubt myself at all. I put it all in God’s hands, and He led me this far.”
Benjamin freshman quarterback Tyler Aronson marveled at how Johns battled throughout the game by making several big runs, in addition to his rushing score in the second quarter.
“He had an awesome night,” Aronson said. “He’s been working hard all year for his moment to come, and nobody could stop him. I was so proud of his performance. He deserved it, especially with all the work he’s put in and the excellent job our offensive line did Friday night.”
Johns credited his offensive line for paving the way.
“My offensive line really opened up some holes for me and allowed me to get the yards I got,” Johns said. “I trust my o-line with all my heart. That’s why when I get the ball, I know to hit the hole right now because I know it’s going to be open with them. I just want to say thank you to them. It’s all them.”
With the win, Benjamin (2-3) has advanced to the Class 3A-Region 4 quarterfinal round against Edison (Miami). The FHSAA postseason game will be played at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami this upcoming Friday afternoon (Nov. 13; 3:30 p.m. kickoff).
With that said, the next game could be the biggest one yet for Johns, who has found ways to be a team leader on both offense and defense. In addition to his overall impact on Benjamin’s running game, he made several key tackles in last week’s 3A play-in victory and in other games throughout his senior season.
“I’m going to play how I practice,” Johns said. “Practice makes perfect, and we’ve been practicing a lot. If I play how I know i can play, there’s no stopping me. I will lead the team in every way I can, and leave it to the man above.”
