Playmakers 2023

THE VICKSBURG POST

TWO-THOUSAND-TWENTY-THREE

PLAYMAKERS

FULL STEAM AHEAD

VICKSBURG, WARREN CENTRAL CHASING CLASS 6A CHAMPIONSHIP

TWO-WAY THREAT VIKINGS’ ZACK EVANS CATCHES TOUCHDOWNS AND PREVENTS THEM

SENIOR LEADER TALLULAH’S MORGAN MAKES A SPLASH

‘THE UNICORN’ DEMARCUS JOHNSON IS A UNIQUE TALENT FOR THE GATORS

ST. AL’S ENGINE DAMIEN REEVES POWERS FLASHES ON THE FIELD, IN THE LOCKER ROOM

‘GO-TO-GUY’

QB MASSEY COMMANDS THE HUDDLE FOR PCA

Playmakers is published once each year by Vicksburg Newsmedia, LLC, 1106 Washington St., Vicksburg, MS 39183. All contents herein are the sole property of Vicksburg Newsmedia, LLC (the Publisher). No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher.

ON THE COVER: Five of the area’s top high school football players — Warren Central’s Zack Evans, Porter’s Chapel Academy’s Thomas Azlin, Vicksburg High’s Demarcus Johnson, Tallulah Academy’s Cade Morgan and St. Aloysius’ Damien Reeves — stand in front of a mural at the Vicksburg waterfront as they prepare to set sail for the 2023 season. (Photo by Ernest Bowker)

VICKSBURG

EXPECTATIONS REPLACE HOPES FOR GATORS

The Vicksburg Gators have no hopes of contending for the MHSAA Class 6A championship this season. They have expectations.

The Gators had their first 10-win season and appearance in the state semifinals since 2001 last season, and there is plenty of talent returning to the roster. The success has turned dreams into realities, and desires into attainable goals as they try to get over the final hurdle to the school’s first state title in the MHSAA’s playoff era.

“That’s the world we want to live in. We want to live in an expectation world,” first-year head coach Christopher Lacey said. “I grew up around here so I was around in the days when Vicksburg was expected to win games. It feels good to be back in that light. This is a school that has some tradition, and we need to blaze more trails in that tradition. We’re trying to create the environment where that is the expectation.”

Lacey is trying to lay the next story

onto a foundation built by his predecessor Todd McDaniel, who left in March to become Ridgeland’s head coach. Lacey spent the previous three seasons as McDaniel’s defensive coordinator and several more in other roles within the VHS program before that.

Lacey’s defense was one of the best in Class 5A in 2022, allowing an average of 10.8 points per game and holding six of 13 opponents to seven points or less. While he’s trying to make his mark as a firsttime head coach, Lacey has also been careful not to veer too far from a winning formula.

“Everything is still the same,” senior running back Collin Johnson said. “People always ask what’s going to change since we’ve got a new coaching staff and stuff. Everything’s still the same. We’ve got good players all around the board. I feel very confident this season.”

As they should. Johnson is part of a superbly talented offensive backfield that includes three backs — Malik

Montgomery, DeCorey Knight and Johnny Smith — who each rushed for more than 950 yards last season. Senior quarterback Ronnie Alexander is a rare four-year starter who has amassed 2,252 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in his career. The Gators were a run-first team in McDaniel’s Wing-T offense. Lacey said there will be some new wrinkles, but by and large there is no reason to fix what isn’t broken.

“You don’t want to throw away the stuff that they’ve been doing,” Lacey said. “A power play in any offense is still a power. A sweep is still a sweep; a jet is still a jet. We try to still get these guys the ball the way they have been, it just looks a little different is all.”

There are eight new starters on defense, but that number is deceiving. Nearly 30 players rotated in and out of the lineup and saw significant playing time in 2022.

A focus on building depth during offseason workouts eased the sting of losing so many multi-year starters.

So did last year’s success. Seven of Vicksburg’s 10 wins were by two touchdowns or more, which provided enough cushion for young players to gain valuable game experience.

“If it’s your first time hitting this field this thing is big on Friday night with the lights and the band and everything else rattling all over the place. It was good to get those reps and calm them down some,” Lacey said. “Hopefully now when they get in the season they’ve already experienced it, and we’re just cruising on through.”

While the defensive depth chart has been shuffled, it was not completely robbed of talent. Defensive lineman Demarcus Johnson, the 2022 Vicksburg Post Defensive Player of the Year, is a four-year starter with 23 career sacks. Another defensive lineman, Tyler Carter, had five sacks in 2022 and has committed to Mississippi State.

Donavan Coleman, a Clinton transfer who has several Division I offers, will help shore up a secondary that lost every starter.

Johnson said he hasn’t noticed a significant drop-off as the younger players move into bigger roles.

“We’ve got new guys, but they’re catching on quick. We’re teaching them and taking them under our wing,” Johnson said. “I feel like we’re going to be good because they’ve been under us since junior high so they know how we are and we know how they are, so they can learn quick.”

Vicksburg’s rise has been as steady as it has been rapid. The team finished 4-8 in 2020, then won seven games in 2021 and went 10-3 in 2022. It also won the Region 2-5A title last year, its first since 1990.

Past results don’t necessarily indicate future success. MHSAA realignment moved the Gators to Class 6A and, although their region remained mostly intact, the schedule will not be easy. Perennial powers Warren Central and Neshoba Central will be difficult opponents,

GATORS ROSTER

and a season-ending showdown with McDaniel’s Ridgeland squad could have high stakes.

Not resting on what they’ve done to this point has been a key theme throughout the offseason.

“This year ain’t last year’s team, and last year ain’t this year’s team. We’re just trying to build on what we’ve got now and make it better,” Johnson said. “I feel like we can go deep in the playoffs. It’s a good

year, good team. We’ve got players coming back with more knowledge, so I feel like we’re going to do good this year.”

And that, Lacey added, will be the expectation moving forward.

“We want to go to the state cham-

We were one game away from playing in the state title game,” Lacey said. “That is what everybody should be hungry for, so that is what we’re shooting

Ronnie Alexander Malik Montgomery

Michael Johnson

Alex Jefferson

Jadarius Henderson

Dennis Battle Dayquan Warfield Mincer Minor

Donavan Coleman

DeCorey Knight Jr.

Collin Johnson

The Vicksburg Post

PLAYMAKERS 2023

Marquise Knight

Demarcus Johnson

Tyler Henderson Keegan Ware Logan Hall

Kendrick Robertson

Tyler Carter

Stephen Anderson Kaleb Hanger

Rick Ross

Jakobe Smith

Derrick Rainey

Bobby Taylor Koury Vample

Jordan Hester

Paul Wilson

Johnny Smith

Joshua Woods

Maurice Taylor

Charles Brooks

Christopher Lacey

Shaun Archer Sr.

Andre Bennett

Marcus Mack

Jaerrious Carson

Donovan Brown

Jakaveon Bullock

Thomas McKnight

Dandrell Parnell

Jacolby Harris

Kaleb Hasty

Roshawn Carter

Kenmani Ellis Amar Jones

Jaiden Carter

PLAYMAKERS 2023

The Vicksburg Post

Amaurius Henyard

Christopher Warren Ashton Gray

Leandrew Drake

Korzabian Hill

Brian Hayes

Isaiah Stamps

Keith Anderson Christian Stamps

Shaun Archer Jr. Jaheim Cattlin Cedrick Blackmore

Cameron Nailor DeCorey Knight Sr.

Johnathon Qualls

Deztin Minor

Marcus Felix

Darius Stamps Charles Vaughn Karter Thomas

Mickell Jones

Willie Edmond Jayden Lee

Corey Wilkerson

DEMARCUS JOHNSON

GATORS’ ‘UNICORN’ ANCHORS THE DEFENSE

From the first time he saw Demarcus Johnson play football, as a member of the Vicksburg Packers youth team, Christopher Lacey was impressed.

“He was probably one of the most dominant peewee players I ever saw in my life,” Lacey said.

A couple years later, when Lacey was coaching at Vicksburg Junior High and then Vicksburg High School, Johnson joined the team and nothing had changed.

“He’s been the most dominant player on his team as a seventh-grader, eighth-grader. He came up here in ninth grade and was the most dominant player then,” said Lacey, who is heading into his first season as Vicksburg’s head coach.

Johnson is a senior now, and still nothing has changed.

The lineman has registered 23 sacks and 40 tackles for loss the past two seasons and been in the starting lineup for three. He won The Vicksburg Post’s Warren County Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022 while leading the Gators to the Class 5A semifinals for the first time since 2001, and to their first region championship since 1990. In other words, he’s continued to dominate and is showing no signs of slowing down.

“Since I’ve been knowing him he’s been the best player all the time on the team. That has a lot to do with talent, of couse, but he works hard,” Lacey said. “He doesn’t forget plays, doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. He’s a leader. He’s a pit bull. Sometimes he’ll tell me, ‘Coach Lacey call this play and I’ll go make a play.’ He’s just an all-around football player.”

Lacey described Johnson as “a unicorn” for his particular set of skills. The 6 foot, 215-pounder is equally

GATORS AT A GLANCE

Head coach: Christopher Lacey (first season)

Assistant coaches: Andre Bennett, Paul Wilson, Shaun Archer, Ocie Brown, Calvin Williams, DeCorey Knight, Skooter Wells, Deonte Selvy, Larry Carter, Kai Lacey

2022 record: 10-3

2022 playoffs: Lost 14-0 to West Point in the MHSAA Class 5A semifinals

Key losses: DL Caleb Bryant, DB Jaleel Fleming, LB Kellen Washington, DB Nicholas Mickey, DB JD Kelly, OL Travis Stewart

Key returners: DL Demarcus Johnson, QB Ronnie Alexander, WR Tyler Henderson, RB Malik Montgomery, RB DeCorey Knight, RB Johnny Smith, LB Dennis Battle

Outlook: The Gators had a breakthrough season in 2022, with their first region title since 1990 and first trip to the state semifinals since 2001. They’ve lost a lot of key players, especially on defense, but have enough firepower returning to remain a state championship contender. New coach Christopher Lacey takes over after three years as defensive coordinator and should keep the program at a high level.

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7:30 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 25 r-Holmes County Central, 8 p.m.

Sept. 1 Forest Hill

Sept. 8 ...............at Natchez

Sept. 15.............at Terry

Sept. 22.............Yazoo City

Sept. 29 Open date

Oct. 6 *at Neshoba Central

Oct. 13 *at Warren Central

Oct. 20...............*Callaway

Oct. 27...............*at Columbus

Nov. 3 *Ridgeland

r-Red Carpet Bowl, at Vicksburg High

*MHSAA Region 2-6A games

adept at bull rushing offensive linemen as he is running around them. He has enough speed to drop back and play linebacker on occasion. Last season, he even saw some playing time on the offensive line. What really makes Johnson stand out, however, and what makes coaches praise him so highly, is his intelligence. Johnson has worked hard to notice small tells that opponents have — a certain stance, hand movement or twitch, for example — that give away a play and allow him to gain an extra advantage.

2022 RESULTS

Germantown 10, Vicksburg 6

Warren Central 20, Vicksburg 18

*Vicksburg 41, Canton 6

*Vicksburg 54, Forest Hill 6

*Vicksburg 40, Jim Hill 0

*Vicksburg 14, Provine 6

*Vicksburg 30, Callaway 7

*Vicksburg 42, Ridgeland 20

*Vicksburg 14, Neshoba Central 0

*Vicksburg 32, Holmes Co. Central 16

p-Vicksburg 36, Cleveland Central 14

p-Vicksburg 27, Callaway 22

p-West Point 14, Vicksburg 0

*MHSAA Region 2-5A games

p-MHSAA Class 5A playoffs

“The little things made me better. They’re going to set you apart from different people,” Johnson said. “(Lacey has) been installing that in us since junior high. You can tell how the linemen line up (what they’ll do), so we pay attention to stuff like that to make us better players.”

Another unicorn-like trait that Johnson takes pride in is his status as a four-year starter. He broke into the lineup halfway through his freshman year and never left. His play was a big part of a VHS defense that held opponents to seven points or less in

12 of their last 25 games.

“I take pride in it, because I don’t know if I was the first one or one of the first ones but a lot of people haven’t done it,” Johnson said.

Strangely, the one knock on Johnson seems to be one of the things that makes him so versatile — his size. He’s on the small side for a lineman at the college level.

Johnson has scholarship offers from Alcorn State and several of Mississippi’s junior colleges but has yet to attract the kind of attention from bigger Division I schools that might be expected of someone with his impressive resume.

Johnson has tried to push aside any negative perceptions by being the best he can be in all facets. As a senior, he said, he’s trying to be a more vocal leader this year. As a force on the defense, he’s constantly trying to refine and improve his skills.

“It used to (bother me), but now I’m just going to keep working,” Johnson said. “If they want you, they’re going

Student Checking that fits you to a

to come get you. At the end of the day, just work for it.”

Johnson added that he tries to look at his size as a positive. He figures it allows coaches — both Vicksburg’s and whatever college he ends up — to use him in different ways.

“With my size they can put me at a lot of stuff,” Johnson said. “I can be versatile, and I look forward to doing stuff like that. Helping the team any way I can.”

His head coach seemed to take the snubs more personally than Johnson. Lacey offered a fiery defense of his star defender.

“If all you’ve got to say about him is his height, then you’re not doing a very good job of evaluating,” Lacey said. “A football player is a football player. If he’s whupping four- and fivestar offensive tackles that you were recruiting, what makes you think that he can’t do that at that level?

“I think he’s one of the top two defensive players in Mississippi.

Period.”

If Johnson plays like that, then Vicksburg might be one of the top two teams in Mississippi. The Gators won 10 games last season, the first time they’d done that since 2001, and have their sights set on another deep run — and possibly a state championship — this year.

“I feel like we can go deep in the playoffs. It’s a good year, good team,” Johnson said. “We’ve got players coming back with more knowledge,

so I feel like we’re going to do good this year.”

Johnson added that he’s embracing all of the responsibility that’s on his shoulders as a top player, senior leader, and experienced veteran on the defense.

“Be more of a vocal leader. Lead my team the right way, tell them what to do and be a motivational speaker,” he said. “It’s more responsibility. I feel like I should carry the team a little bit more and have a different standard.”

WARREN COUNTY’S MUST-SEE MATCHUPS GAMES OF THE YEAR

Oct. 13

Warren Central at Vicksburg

Warren County’s Super Bowl enters a new chapter. MHSAA realignment made it a region game for the first time since 2012, which ups the stakes, and placed it in October for the first time since the 1990s. Both teams will be in the running for the Region 2-6A championship, as well, which will make the outcome even more pivotal.

The Vikings and Gators both have aspirations of bringing home a state championship trophy in addition to a region one, so a playoff rematch is certainly a possibility.

2

Nov. 3

Ridgeland at Vicksburg

Vicksburg High’s regular-season finale will see the return of Todd McDaniel to The Swamp. The coach left VHS to take over Ridgeland’s program this past offseason, after leading Vicksburg’s for the previous three years and taking them to the 2022 Region 2-5A championship and MHSAA Class 5A semifinals.

Both teams are expected to have strong squads, so the reunion could have more than just emotional stakes — playoff positioning or even the Region 2-6A title might be in play when they get together.

3

Sept. 22

St. Aloysius at Central Hinds

St. Aloysius’ mid-September trip to Raymond renews an I-20 rivalry that has been in hibernation since 2020, and wraps up a three-game stretch of MAIS District 2-4A games. A road trip to Tri-County on Sept. 8 and a home date vs. Clinton Christian on Sept. 15 precede the visit to Central Hinds.

Although it marks the midway point of the season, the Flashes’ path to a potential playoff berth will be clear after this one. They’ll either be in control of the district race or chasing a wild card berth.

Warren Central will take on Brandon on Sept. 15 at Viking Stadium, in a rematch from last season’s MHSAA Class 6A playoffs and a showdown between two of Mississippi’s best high school football teams.

4

Sept. 15

Brandon at WC

Warren Central has only lost six games over the past two seasons, and four of them were to Brandon. The Bulldogs eliminated Warren Central from the playoffs in 2021 and 2022 on their way to reaching the MHSAA Class 6A championship game both years. This is no longer a region game — Brandon was placed in Class 7A and Warren Central in 6A in the MHSAA’s latest realignment — but will still be a marquee matchup between two of Mississippi’s best high school football programs.

have not faced any of the other eight since joining the MAIS’ eight-man division in 2021.

The District 3-2A opener, then, is one worth watching. It’s one of only three within the league, and a win here could spur PCA toward its first district title since 2008.

6

Aug. 25

• Clinton vs. WC

• Holmes County Central at Vicksburg

7

Sept. 29

Riverfield at St. Aloysius

This is the only game in town on this particular Friday night — literally. Warren Central and Vicksburg both have open dates, and Porter’s Chapel is on the road. So Warren County’s high school football fans only have one option to see a game in person, and it’s when Riverfield visits the renovated Balzli Field.

8Sept. 1

Tallulah Academy at Briarfield Academy

5

Sept. 15 Park Place at Porter’s Chapel Porter’s Chapel Academy’s 2023 schedule is devoid of long-running rivalries. Only three of the Eagles’ 11 games are against teams that were on their schedule in 2022. They

The 61st annual Red Carpet Bowl kicks off the season with a doubleheader at Vicksburg High’s Memorial Stadium. Clinton and Warren Central renew their rivalry after a two-year hiatus in the opener at 5:30 p.m., followed by Vicksburg vs. Holmes County Central at 8.

The two games are always a festival of football for Warren County, providing a fun atmosphere to get the season rolling. Tickets are available through GoFan.co.

Tallulah Academy and Briarfield Academy have combined to win six MAIS eight-man football championships since 2015, and both should be in the mix again this year. A playoff rematch is highly likely, so not only will this early-season District 2-1A showdown in Lake Providence be for bragging rights, it could determine home field advantage in November as well.

Warren County football Records

Career records

RUSHING

Rushing yards

4,919 - Brian Darden (Warren Central, 1991-94)

4,196 - Carl Blue (Warren Central, 1977-79)

4,079 - Earl Johnson (Porter’s Chapel, 1974-76)

4,052 - Mike Ray (St. Aloysius, 1976-78)

3,997 - John Kavanaugh (St. Aloysius, 1984-87)

3,689 - DeMichael Harris (St. Aloysius, 2012-15)

3,637 - Jammal Williams (St. Aloysius, 1990-1993)

3,350 - Dale Erves (Warren Central, 1974-76)

3,105 - Andra Williams (Warren Central, 1983-85)

3,083 - Leo Cage (Warren Central, 1972-74)

3,066 - Tyler Washington (Porter’s Chapel, 2018-21) Rushing touchdowns

74 - Brian Darden (Warren Central, 1992-94)

47 - DeMichael Harris (St. Aloysius, 2012-15)

45 - Carl Blue (Warren Central, 1977-79)

45 - Stacy Williams (St. Aloysius, 1993-95)

42 - James McCluskey (Redwood, 1955-57)

39 - Earl Johnson (Porter’s Chapel, 1974-76)

38 - Leo Cage (Warren Central, 1972-74)

38 - Tyler Washington (Porter’s Chapel, 2018-21)

36 - Mike Ray (St. Aloysius, 1976-78)

36 - Jamaal Williams (St. Aloysius, 1990-93)

KICKING Field goals

23 - Sam Thigpen (Warren Central, 1983-85)

20 - Tracy Tullos (Vicksburg, 1990-92)

20 - Paul Mlakar (Warren Central, 1986-88)

17 - Jared Thames (Warren Central, 2007-08)

17 - Blake Hudson (St. Aloysius, 2011-13)

16 - Nick Wright (Warren Central, 2014-15)

16 - Will Clark (Warren Central, 2001-03)

16 - Josh Griffin (Warren Central, 2019-20)

Single-season records Rushing

Rushing yards

2,238 - Brian Darden (Warren Central, 1994)

2,168 - Carl Blue (Warren Central, 1979)

2,102 - DeMichael Harris (St. Aloysius, 2014)

2,040 - Mike Ray (St. Aloysius, 1978)

2,037 - Earl Johnson (Porter’s Chapel, 1975)

1,869 - John Kavanaugh (St. Aloysius, 1987)

1,852 - Larry Warner (Warren Central, 2004) Rushing touchdowns

33 - Carl Blue (Warren Central, 1979)

28 - Brian Darden (Warren Central, 1994)

27 - Brian Darden (Warren Central, 1993)

25 - Leo Cage (Warren Central, 1974)

24 - DeMichael Harris (St. Aloysius, 2014)

23 - Stacy Williams (St. Aloysius, 1995)

23 - Keith Wright (Warren Central, 1973)

22 - James McCluskey (Redwood, 1956)

22 - Jamaal Williams (St. Aloysius, 1993)

22 - DeMichael Harris (St. Aloysius, 2015)

21 - Peter Harris (Porter’s Chapel, 2012)

21 - Tyler Washington (Porter’s Chapel, 2021)

Passing Passing yards

3,245 - Cameron Cooksey (Vicksburg, 2011)

3,010 - Joe Johnson (Vicksburg, 2016)

2,506 - Tommy Curtis (Vicksburg, 1997)

2,449 - Hayden Hales (Porter’s Chapel, 2006)

2,352 - Cameron Cooksey (Vicksburg, 2010)

2,249 - Levi Wyatt (Vicksburg, 2018)

2,011 - Jonah Masterson (Porter’s Chapel, 2010)

1,900 - Ernest Moore (Vicksburg, 1973)

1,885 - Marquez Pickett (Vicksburg, 2014)

1,784 - William Wooley (Temple, 1970)

1,753 - Jonah Masterson (Porter’s Chapel, 2013)

1,732 - Rob Morgan (Warren Central, 1993)

1,690 - Jack Wright (Warren Central, 2022)

1,680 - Stanton Price (Vicksburg, 2007)

1,653 - Justin Henry (Vicksburg, 2002)

PASSING Touchdown passes

62 - Cameron Cooksey (Vicksburg, 2009-11)

56 - Joe Johnson (Vicksburg, 2014-17)

50 - Ernest Moore (N. V’burg/Vicksburg, 1971-73)

49 - Glynn Griffing (Culkin, 1955-57)

41 - Jonah Masterson (Porter’s Chapel, 2010-13)

40 - Hayden Hales (Porter’s Chapel, 2004-06)

38 - Ben Jernigan (Porter’s Chapel, 1995-97)

37 - Robert Sims (Temple, 1966-69)

36 - William Wooley (Temple, 1968-70)

35 - Rob Morgan (Warren Central, 1993-94) Passing yards

6,352 - Cameron Cooksey (Vicksburg, 2009-11)

6,175 - Joe Johnson (Vicksburg, 2014-17)

4,893 - Jonah Masterson (Porter’s Chapel, 2010-13)

4,336 - Ernest Moore (N.V’burg/Vicksburg, 1971-73)

4,134 - Stanton Price (Vicksburg, 2005-07)

3,751 - Ben Jernigan (Porter’s Chapel, 1995-97)

3,729 - Carlisle Koestler (St. Aloysius/Warren Central, 2010-13)

3,484 - Justin Henry (Vicksburg, 2000-02)

3,373 - Rob Morgan (Warren Central, 1993-94)

3,185 - Antonio Thompson (St. Aloysius/Warren Central, 2016-18)

COACHING

Career victories

168-72 - Robert Morgan (Warren Central, 1985-2003)

125-27-2 - Lum Wright (Warren Central, 1971-84)

115-52-4 - Joe Balzli (St. Aloysius, 1936-41; 1946-60)

91-63 - Josh Morgan (Warren Central, 2010-22)

90-53 - James W. Knox (Vicksburg, 1989-2000)

76-36 - Joe Edwards (St. Aloysius, 1978-87)

70-30-1 - Erwin Baylot (Culkin, 1955-60; Porter’s Chapel, 1984-87)

63-16-4 - Houston Markham (Temple, 1967-70; North Vicksburg, 1971-72; Vicksburg, 1973-74)

63-65 - Alonzo Stevens (Vicksburg, 2001-11)

61-52-9 - J.C. Dorman (Redwood, 1947-60)

Touchdown passes

38 - Cameron Cooksey (Vicksburg, 2011)

31 - Joe Johnson (Vicksburg, 2016)

28 - William Wooley (Temple, 1970)

28 - Ernest Moore (Vicksburg, 1973)

28 - Hayden Hales (Porter’s Chapel, 2006)

23 - Robert Sims (Temple, 1968)

20 - Tommy Alonzo (St. Aloysius, 1977)

19 - Glynn Griffing (Culkin, 1956)

19 - Justin Henry (Vicksburg, 2002)

19 - Tommy Curtis (Vicksburg, 1997)

19 - Clayton Holmes (Porter’s Chapel, 2008)

19 - Levi Wyatt (Vicksburg, 2018)

18 - Rob Morgan (Warren Central, 1993)

18 - Cameron Cooksey (Vicksburg, 2010)

18 - Marquez Pickett (Vicksburg, 2014)

Receiving Receptions

77 - A.J. Stamps (Vicksburg, 2011)

77 - Raheem Moore (Vicksburg, 2016)

70 - Tedarious Brown (Vicksburg, 2015)

60 - Edward Davis (Vicksburg, 2013)

54 - Clyde Kendrick (Vicksburg, 2011)

53 - Reginald “Bunkie” Perkins (Vicksburg, 1997)

52 - Lamar Anthony (Vicksburg, 2011)

50 - Chris Marshall (Porter’s Chapel, 2010)

47 - Tyrese Wolfe (Vicksburg, 2018)

46 - John David Liggett (St. Aloysius, 2022)

45 - Kareeme Butler (Vicksburg, 2014)

44 - Michael Bradshaw (Porter’s Chapel, 1996)

44 - Michael Sweet (Vicksburg, 1973)

44 - Willie Rogers (Porter’s Chapel, 2021)

42 - Michael Busby (Porter’s Chapel, 2006)

42 - Cole Smith (Porter’s Chapel, 2006)

42 - Cordell Valentine (Warren Central, 2008)

41 - Ben Shelton (Vicksburg, 2002)

41 - Demond Patton (Warren Central, 2019)

40 - Delmon Robinson (Vicksburg, 2006)

40 - Vernon Wolfe (Vicksburg, 2006)

40 - Malcolm Grant (Warren Central, 2010)

40 - Trey Hall (Warren Central, 2021)

PLAYMAKERS 2023

RECEIVING Receptions

123 - Tedarious Brown (Vicksburg, 2013-15)

112 - A.J. Stamps (Vicksburg, 2009-11)

104 - Raheem Moore (Vicksburg, 2015-16)

103 - Delmon Robinson (Vicksburg, 2005-07)

88 - Trey Hall (Warren Central, 2020-22)

82 - Ryan Theriot (St. Aloysius, 2015-18)

82 - Demond Patton (Warren Central, 2017-19)

79 - Ben Shelton (Vicksburg, 2001-03)

79 - Jeff Scott (Vicksburg, 2014-16)

77 - Edward Davis (Vicksburg, 2012-13)

76 - Vernon Wolfe (Vicksburg, 2004-06)

74 - Brandon Teller (St. Aloysius, 2013-16) Receiving yards

2,310 - A.J. Stamps (Vicksburg, 2009-11)

1,832 - Tedarious Brown (Vicksburg, 2013-15)

1,665 - Cole Smith (Porter’s Chapel, 2004-06)

1,574 - Michael Sweet (N. V’burg/Vicksburg, 1971-73)

1,516 - Raheem Moore (Vicksburg, 2015-16)

1,391 - Ryan Theriot (St. Aloysius, 2015-18)

1,327 - Demond Patton (Warren Central, 2017-19)

1,308 - James Jones (Warren Central, 1991-93)

1,231 - Ben Shelton (Vicksburg, 2001-03)

1,220 - Brandon Teller (St. Aloysius, 2013-16)

1,191 - Delmon Robinson (Vicksburg, 2005-07)

1,185 - Lamar Anthony (Vicksburg, 2009-11)

Receiving touchdowns

29 - A.J. Stamps (Vicksburg, 2009-11)

25 - Raheem Moore (Vicksburg, 2015-16)

24 - Cole Smith (Porter’s Chapel, 2004-06)

18 - Tommy Akin (Culkin, 1955-57)

17 - Ronald Queen (Temple, 1962-64)

17 - Russell Richards (Warren Central, 1974-76)

17 - James Jones (Warren Central, 1991-93)

17 - Brandon Teller (St. Aloysius, 2013-16)

Receiving yards

1,289 - A.J. Stamps (Vicksburg, 2011)

1,206 - Cole Smith (Porter’s Chapel, 2006)

1,135 - Raheem Moore (Vicksburg, 2016)

1,076 - Reginald “Bunkie” Perkins (Vicksburg, 1997)

1,029 - Chris Marshall (Porter’s Chapel, 2010)

1.021 - A.J. Stamps (Vicksburg, 2010)

1,006 - Tedarious Brown (Vicksburg, 2015)

943 - Lamar Anthony (Vicksburg, 2011)

925 - James Jones (Warren Central, 1993)

865 - Kareeme Butler (Vicksburg, 2014)

862 - Michael Sweet (Vicksburg, 1973)

856 - Michael Busby (Porter’s Chapel, 2006)

836 - Michael Bradshaw (Porter’s Chapel, 1996)

771 - Malcolm Grant (Warren Central, 2010)

762 - Thad Bridges (Warren Central, 1994)

Receiving touchdowns

20 - Raheem Moore (Vicksburg, 2016)

19 - A.J. Stamps (Vicksburg, 2011)

15 - Cole Smith (Porter’s Chapel, 2006)

12 - Lamar Anthony (Vicksburg, 2011)

11 - Michael Sweet (Vicksburg, 1973)

11 - Carl Smith (St. Aloysius, 1977)

11 - James Jones (Warren Central, 1993)

11 - Thad Bridges (Warren Central, 1994)

11 - Edward Davis (Vicksburg, 2013)

10 - Michael Bradshaw (Porter’s Chapel, 1996)

10 - Bobby Huell (Temple, 1968)

10 - Willie Moore (Temple, 1968)

10 - Michael Busby (Porter’s Chapel, 2006)

10 - A.J. Stamps (Vicksburg, 2010)

KICKING Field goals

13 - Tracy Tullos (Vicksburg, 1992)

12 - Sam Thigpen (Warren Central, 1985)

12 - Paul Mlakar (Warren Central, 1988)

12 - Josh Griffin (Warren Central, 2019)

12 - Blake Hudson (St. Aloysius, 2013)

11 - Will Clark (Warren Central, 2002)

11 - Jared Thames (Warren Central, 2008)

11 - Jonah Artman (Warren Central, 2022)

Warren County football Records

Single-game records

Rushing yards

395 - DeMichael Harris, St. Aloysius vs. Bayou Academy, 2015

347 - Caris London, Vicksburg vs. Gentry, 1999

342 - Carl Blue, Warren Central vs. Crystal Springs, 1979

310 - Charles Guiney, St. Aloysius vs. Satartia, 1934

304 - Leo Cage, Warren Central vs. Clinton, 1974

304 - Mike Ray, St. Aloysius vs. Cathedral, 1978

302 - Earl Johnson, Porter’s Chapel vs. East Rankin, 1975

301 - Brian Darden, Warren Central vs. Clinton, 1993

301 - Larry Warner, Warren Central vs. Southaven, 2004 Rushing touchdowns

6 - James McCluskey, Redwood vs. Benton, 1956

6 - Caris London, Vicksburg vs. Gentry, 1999

6 - Peter Harris, Porter’s Chapel vs. Prentiss Christian, 2012

6 - DeMichael Harris, St. Aloysius vs. Bayou Academy, 2015

5 - James McCluskey, Redwood vs. Hollandale, 1956

5 - Johnny Wilkinson, Culkin vs. Columbia Training School, 1961

5 - Keith Wright, Warren Central vs. Forest Hill, 1971

5 - Leo Cage, Warren Central vs. Columbia, 1974

5 - Patrick Bingham, Vicksburg vs. Canton, 1985

5 - Stacy Williams, St. Aloysius vs. Riverside, 1995

5 - Tann Hollingsworth, St. Aloysius vs. Greenville-St. Joe, 1997

5 - Michael Head, St. Aloysius vs. Stringer, 2002

5 - DeMichael Harris, St. Aloysius vs. Central Hinds, 2015

5 - Antonio Thompson, St. Aloysius vs. Hillcrest Christian, 2017

5 - Alvin Brown, St. Aloysius vs. Cathedral, 2019

Passing yards

535 - Cameron Cooksey, Vicksburg vs. Northwest Rankin, 2011

438 - Cameron Cooksey, Vicksburg vs. Tylertown, 2011

406 - James Jackson, Vicksburg vs. Brookhaven, 2003

383 - Tommy Curtis, Vicksburg vs. Clinton, 1997

378 - Levi Wyatt, Vicksburg vs. Neshoba Central, 2018

372 - Cameron Cooksey, Vicksburg vs. Northwest Rankin, 2010

370 - Cameron Cooksey, Vicksburg vs. Grenada, 2010

343 - Ernest “Puck” Jabour, Vicksburg vs. Philadelphia, 1928

335 - Tavares Johnson Jr., Vicksburg vs. Germantown, 2013

332 - Cameron Cooksey, Vicksburg vs. Richwood, La., 2011

329 - Hayden Hales, Porter’s Chapel vs. Trinity Episcopal, 2006

328 - Cameron Cooksey, Vicksburg vs. Lawrence County, 2011

327 - Tommy Curtis, Vicksburg vs. Greenville, 1997

325 - William Wooley, Temple vs. Sumner Hill, 1970

319 - Ernest Moore, Vicksburg vs. McComb, 1973

319 - Stanton Price, Vicksburg vs. Madison Central, 2006

317 - Kyle Ehrhardt, Porter’s Chapel vs. CM&I, 2000

315 - William Wooley, Temple vs. Hinds Training Center, 1970

314 - Joe Johnson, Vicksburg vs. Lanier, 2016

305 - William Wooley, Temple vs. Lanier, 1970

305 - Jonah Masterson, Porter’s Chapel vs. Russell Christian, 2013

300 - Cameron Cooksey, Vicksburg vs. Madison Central, 2010

Passing touchdowns

6 - William Wooley, Temple vs. Lanier, 1970

6 - Cameron Cooksey, Vicksburg vs. Tylertown, 2011

6 - Cameron Cooksey, Vicksburg vs. Northwest Rankin, 2011

5 - Glynn Griffing, Culkin vs. Newellton (La.), 1956

5 - William Triplett, Temple vs. Fayette, 1964

5 - William Wooley, Temple vs. Hinds Training Center, 1970

5 - Ernest Moore, Vicksburg vs. Jackson Central, 1973

5 - Justin Henry, Vicksburg vs. Horn Lake, 2002

5 - Cameron Cooksey, Vicksburg vs. Richwood, La., 2011

5 - Chase Ladd, Warren Central vs. Greenville-Weston, 2011

5 - Joe Johnson, Vicksburg vs. Holmes County Central, 2014

Receiving yards

285 - A.J. Stamps, Vicksburg vs. Northwest Rankin, 2011

228 - Michael Sweet, Vicksburg vs. McComb, 1973

215 - Kourey Davis, Warren Central vs. Greenville-Weston, 2011

214 - Matthew Foley, St. Aloysius vs. Shaw, 2013

210 - Roy Blades, Vicksburg vs. Philadelphia, 1928

207 - A.J. Stamps, Vicksburg vs. Grenada, 2010

203 - Chris Marshall, Porter’s Chapel vs. Prentiss Christian, 2010

202 - Justen Rouse, Porter’s Chapel vs. Wayne Academy, 1997

201 - Ryan Theriot, St. Aloysius vs. Leake Academy, 2017

Receiving touchdowns

5 - A.J. Stamps, Vicksburg vs. Northwest Rankin, 2011

4 - Michael Sweet, Vicksburg vs. Jackson Central, 1973

4 - Cole Smith, Porter’s Chapel vs. Adams Christian, 2006

4 - Kourey Davis, Warren Central vs. Greenville-Weston, 2011

Receptions

19 - A.J. Stamps, Vicksburg vs. Northwest Rankin, 2011

14 - Milan Nasif, Vicksburg vs. Northwest Rankin, 2010

13 - Lamar Anthony, Vicksburg vs. Northwest Rankin, 2011

12 - Kareeme Butler, Vicksburg vs. Neshoba Central, 2014

12 - Tedarious Brown, Vicksburg vs. Germantown, 2015

12 - Ryan Theriot, St. Aloysius vs. Riverfield, 2017

11 - Reggie Perkins, Vicksburg vs. Greenville, 1997

11 - Ben Shelton, Vicksburg vs. Brookhaven, 2003

11 - Cordell Valentine, Warren Central vs. Northwest Rankin, 2008

11 - Tedarious Brown, Vicksburg vs. Oxford, 2015

11 - Raheem Moore, Vicksburg vs. Grenada, 2016

11 - Willie Rogers, Porter’s Chapel vs. Claiborne, 2021

11 - Taylor LaBarre, Porter’s Chapel vs. Prentiss Christian, 2022

10 - Michael Sweet, Vicksburg vs. McComb, 1973

10 - Chris Marshall, Porter’s Chapel vs. Prentiss Christian, 2010

10 - Clyde Kendrick, Vicksburg vs. Richwood, La., 2011

10 - A.J. Stamps, Vicksburg vs. Tylertown, 2011

10 - Clyde Kendrick, Vicksburg vs. Northwest Rankin, 2011

10 - Matthew Foley, St. Aloysius vs. Shaw, 2013

10 - Tedarius Brown, Vicksburg vs. Germantown, 2015

10 - Michael Tod Andrews, Porter’s Chapel vs. Central Hinds, 2018

9 - Randy Stewart, Porter’s Chapel vs. Rankin Academy, 1979

9 - Lee Speyerer, St. Aloysius vs. Greenville-St. Joe, 1984

9 - Stacy Sizemore, Vicksburg vs. Greenville, 1987

9 - Blake Haygood, St. Aloysius vs. Salem, 2009

9 - Clyde Kendrick, Vicksburg vs. Tylertown, 2011

9 - Alton Burden, Porter’s Chapel vs. Newton Academy, 2011

9 - Edward Davis, Vicksburg vs. Germantown, 2013

9 - Chris Stamps, Warren Central vs. Clinton, 2014

9 - Tedarious Brown, Vicksburg vs. Holmes County Central, 2015

9 - Tyrese Wolfe, Vicksburg vs. Neshoba Central, 2018

ST. ALOYSIUS FLASHES LOOK FORWARD TO A FRESH START

St. Aloysius head coach Bubba Nettles describes himself as an optimist who always tries to find the good in the worst situations.

Perhaps that’s why he’s so excited about this year’s team.

The Flashes are coming off a 1-9 season that unraveled amidst a rash of injuries and a brutally tough schedule. Nettles turned to a number of up-and-coming players to get through it, which was difficult but gave them some hands-on experience that they’re hoping pays dividends in 2023.

“I’m extremely excited,” Nettles said. “Anybody that knows me knows that I’m an eternal optimist. The way these kids work, they’re hungry. They want to win football games. That is enough motivation for me to keep going, to keep coaching these kids, keep teaching them our system and the right way to play football.”

There are only four seniors on

this year’s roster — Caleb Tucker, Damien Reeves, Brady Harrell and Land Oglesby — and a large group of promising sophomores and juniors. Several of the underclassmen saw significant playing time in 2022, including starting quarterback Carson Smith, running back Thompson Fortenberry and receiver/linebacker Robert Lee.

Smith threw for 800 yards and five touchdowns, and Fortenberry led the team with 657 rushing yards and five TDs. Lee caught 21 passes for 305 yards.

Pierson Smith and Sadler Lambiotte, both sophomores this season, became starters in the defensive secondary by the end of last season. In all, there are nine offensive and seven defensive starters returning.

“All three of those (Lee, Pierson Smith and Lambiotte) got mega reps last year as freshmen. They’ll be ready to roll, and all three of them have probably packed on 10 or 15

pounds of muscle, too. That’s always a good thing,” Nettles said.

Nettles said the Flashes have plenty of depth at the skill positions, which could also stand as a euphemism for skinny fast guys.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that can play wide receiver and cornerback pretty well,” Reeves said with a laugh.

The offensive and defensive lines are a bit thin by comparison, even though everyone who was a starter by the end of the season is returning.

The senior Oglesby and juniors Mason Penley and Taylor Zadrozny will anchor both sides of the line.

“Where we’re struggling right now with a depth issue is in the trenches. Last year that was not a problem, but we lost a bunch to graduation. We are very thin there, so we are making sure we say our prayers and do our tithing that we can make it through unscathed,” Nettles said.

Depth was one of St. Al’s biggest

problems in 2022. Although seven of their nine consecutive losses to finish the season were by 28 points or more, they often competed well for the first quarter or half. One loss to Adams County Christian School was scoreless midway through the second quarter, and in another to Greenville-St. Joe they only trailed 12-7 at that point in the game.

“We competed with the teams last year,” Reeves said. “It was just we didn’t have enough kids to keep us up and healthy. We would get too injured or too tired by the third quarter and that’s when everybody put the gas pedal down on us.”

Nettles is hopeful the Flashes can push through the mistakes, fatigue and injuries that caused those games — and the season — to spiral out of control.

“These kids know they can play. We’re just running out of gas. I’m hoping that we can get beyond that,” Nettles said.

Based on what he’s seen through the spring and summer, Nettles feels like the Flashes are doing just that.

“The biggest thing is that the kids who are returning did not lose faith or interest, or love for the game facing what they faced last year,” he said.

St. Al faced one of the most difficult schedules in MAIS Class 5A last season. Six of their 10 opponents reached the semifinals in their respective classifications.

This year’s slate is no cakewalk. Early-season matchups with ACCS, Riverfield and Tri-County will test the Flashes early. If they can come through that gauntlet in good shape, Nettles said, it would be a huge morale boost and might propel them to bigger and better things sooner rather than later.

“Getting (ACCS) and Tri-County behind us early is a big deal. Our first four games are crucial. I would like to go a minimum of 2-3 in that stretch, would be wonderful,” Nettles said. “I keep telling our kids, let’s get

FLASHES AT A GLANCE

Head coach: Bubba Nettles (third season)

Assistant coaches: Kacy Presley, Derrick Watson, Keith Phillips, Matt Mallard, Jared Bell

2022 record: 1-9

2022 playoffs: None

Key losses: P Jake Brister, OL/DL Jax Oglesby, OL/DL Mason Watts, LB Thomas Dowe, LB Will Dowe, WR John David Liggett

Key returners: DE/FB Damien Reeves, QB Carson Smith, OL/DL Land Oglesby, RB/LB Thompson Fortenberry, OL/DL Mason Penley

2023 outlook: The 2022 season was pretty forgettable for the Flashes — a season-opening win was followed by nine consecutive losses — but it might wind up being pivotal in the long run. A number of young players got a chance for extended playing time and still have plenty of football in front of them. If they can continue to improve this season, brighter days and perhaps even a return to the MAIS playoffs are possible sooner rather than later.

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m.

Aug. 18........... Adams County Christian

Aug. 25........... at Cathedral

Sept. 1 ............ East Rankin

Sept. 8 ............ *at Tri-County

Sept. 15.......... *Clinton Christian

Sept. 22.......... *at Central Hinds

Sept. 29.......... Riverfield

Oct. 6 .............. at Columbia Academy

Oct. 13............ at Manchester

Oct. 20............ *Winston Academy

*MAIS District 2-4A games

2022 RESULTS

St. Aloysius 12, Park Place 0

Centreville Academy 8, St. Aloysius 0

*Riverfield Academy 35, St. Aloysius 7

Brookhaven Aca. 33, St. Aloysius 16

*Adams Co. Christian 37, St. Aloysius 8

Cathedral 50, St. Aloysius 20

*Clinton Christian 35, St. Aloysius 0

Copiah Academy 48, St. Aloysius 14

Greenville-St. Joe 53, St. Aloysius 7

*Tri-County 47, St. Aloysius 0

*MAIS District 3-4A games

FLASHES ROSTER

through the first four because you’ve got two manageable football games between two MAIS powerhouses. If

we can get through those four and to the remaining six, let’s go get ‘em.”

DAMIEN REEVES

ST. AL’S ENGINE DOES EVERYTHING

Damien Reeves has never shirked away from a challenge on the football field. Need a hard yard? He can get it. Need someone to throw a block? He’ll clear the hole and do it with a smile.

Need to plug a hole in the lineup? It doesn’t matter what position it is, Reeves is your man.

“The only thing I wasn’t on last year was field goal. Everything else, I was out there somewhere,” Reeves said.

With his mix of talent, hard work and unselfishness, it’s not hard to see why Reeves has earned a leadership role on the Flashes’ roster entering his senior year.

“Damien, since day one, has done nothing but prove to me that he is eager and he wants to play,” said St. Al coach Bubba Nettles, who has

coached Reeves since the latter was in sixth grade. “He will do whatever you ask him to do, play wherever you ask him to play, and he is going to give you absolutely everything he’s got. Not to mention, when he is off the field his morals and his character, I cannot say enough positive things about Damien Reeves.”

Reeves’ varsity high school career started as a freshman in 2020. He saw plenty of playing time, then slipped into the starting lineup as a fullback and linebacker in 2021.

He played on the offensive and defensive lines in junior high and has occasionally split out wide as a receiver in some offensive formations.

“I was second team and coming in for some seniors at linebacker, and once they left I just took on the

spot of one of the seniors who left at fullback and kept going from there,” said Reeves, who had 80 tackles last season. I kept filling in wherever he needs me to. The only spot I really don’t play is corner.”

Reeves has even been used a couple of different ways on the punt team. In 2021 he was inserted at the up-back position and ran fakes.

“When it was punt team and we needed three or four yards, it was, ‘You’re going in as up-back and go in there and run the ball.’ I think I had at least 200 rushing yards just off of fake punts,” he said with a laugh.

While Reeves’ multiple roles on the field are invaluable to the Flashes, Nettles said his character is even more indispensable off of it.

As one of only four seniors on this year’s roster, Reeves already had

younger teammates looking up to him. Nettles, though, said it’s a role Reeves earned over the previous three seasons. Reeves served as a team captain for several games in 2022.

“He does not have the respect of his teammates because he’s a senior. He has the respect of his teammates because of what he’s done — both on the field and off,” Nettles said. “He’s the heart and the soul. As long as he’s doing what he’s supposed to be doing, the kids fall right in line behind him. He is an absolute leader.”

Reeves said his leadership role on the team has evolved over the past few seasons. His experience playing multiple positions made him someone teammates ask for advice when they’re thrown into a new spot. And his status as a multiple-year starter made him a trusted hand for both teammates and coaches.

“It makes it a lot easier for me when I’m talking to other people,” he said. “I know what they’re talking about if they have the same problems because I’ve been doing it since ninth grade. They had me out there with the varsity. It’s a lot easier for me to talk to people than it is for somebody else.”

Reeves wasn’t sure what his future holds in regards to football. He said there haven’t been any schools looking at him to play, and seemed like he’d be just as content to get accepted to his current college choices of Mississippi State or LSU. He wants to study engineering.

Whatever he ends up doing, wherever he ends up doing it, Nettles was confident one of his favorite players will be a success.

“If my son winds up to be half the human being that Damien Reeves is right now, I will have considered that as a success,” Nettles said. “I can assure you when the final horn blows and our season is over, and Damien walks off that field, it’s going to be a sad day for me.”

The Vicksburg Post

PLAYMAKERS 2023

Emerson Blackburn

Mac Connell

Malachi Cox

Taylor Zadrozny

Walt Andrews

Land Oglesby

Bubba Nettles Kacy Presley

Jared Bell Damien Reeves

Derrick Watson

Kayla Flowers

Thompson Fortenberry Pierson Smith

Carson Smith

Holden Davidson

Caleb Tucker William Roberson

John Ellis Montgomery Eli Shiers Marques Flowers

Brady Harrell

Clark Hobson

Ace Oglesby

J.T. Smith

Dalton Windham

Jaden Wheeldon

Max Hargrave

Mason Penley

Camden Meyer

Jay Conrad

Keller Bradley Slade Lyons

Sadler Lambiotte Robert Lee

WARREN CENTRAL NEW LEAGUE, SAME GOALS FOR THE VIKINGS

The Mississippi High School Activities Association’s latest round of realignment changed a lot of things for Warren Central.

Having big goals and high expectations were not among them.

Warren Central has been to the playoffs 11 consecutive seasons, and the second round in six of the past eight. It is once again considered a top contender for the Class 6A championship, but knows it’ll take more than wishful thinking to win it.

“We have as good a chance as anybody,” head coach Josh Morgan said. “I don’t think that we are God’s gift to football and that we belong there and we’re going to get there no matter what by just being us. We’re going to put in work like we always do.”

The MHSAA realignment plan that takes effect this season added a seventh classification consisting of the 24 largest schools. Warren Central was just below that mark and so, after 40 years of being in the state’s biggest classification, found itself in

the second-largest (Class 6A). The Vikings, though, probably won’t notice a difference. The five-game non-region schedule is all against Class 7A opponents, and Region 2-6A is arguably the deepest in Class 6A. Four of the six teams in Region 2-6A won a playoff game in 2022.

Warren Central reached the second round of the playoffs, and its long postseason streak has made it a favorite to claim its first region title since 2004. Morgan, though, said anyone expecting his team to run roughshod over its new league is misguided.

“If you’ve got sense, you understand,” Morgan said. “Callaway made it to the second round. Vicksburg went to the third round. Neshoba’s always a war horse in that area. Ridgeland has always been really competitive in that district and Columbus with the ride alone ... we’ve got work to do.”

The work starts at the offensive skill positions, where the Vikings are replacing a lot of their playmakers.

Four running backs had at least 200 yards and five touchdowns last season, but only junior Eric Collins is returning. A new quarterback will also be behind center after two-year starter Jack Wright graduated.

Freshman Nash Morgan is expected to start the opener vs. Clinton, but senior Ryan Nelson and junior Harber Williams are also in the mix.

Nash Morgan and Williams got extended practice reps during spring and played well in the spring game against Grenada, while Nelson was playing for WC’s baseball team. Josh Morgan said the extra practice time accelerated their development, but they also earned their spots during the winter and summer.

“It’s just more reps. It’s all offseason. It’s not starting practices during the spring. We were working and developing, because to do what you want to do at this level you’d better be working,” Josh Morgan said.

“They got a lot of attention, they got a lot of reps, and that helps bring that experience. It slows down the

speed of the game and lets you zone in on fundamentals and technique.”

Maddox Lynch seemed to be next in line at quarterback, but emerged as a top receiver in 2022 and became too valuable at that position to move him. The 6-foot-5, 234-pound junior had 36 receptions for a team-high 553 yards and two touchdowns.

“He’s physically gifted. He has wonderful size. But the thing that makes Maddox special is his mentality. He’s a football player. He has that mentality of toughness and grit,” Morgan said. “So you match that with his physical size and his athletic ability and you’ve got a really special player. That gives us the freedom to open up and do a lot of different things with him, and makes us harder to defend.”

Seniors Beau Davis and Claude King are returning starters on the offensive line, and Zack Evans (19 receptions, 436 yards, three TDs) is also back at receiver. Having Evans and Lynch to catch passes should make the receiving corps a strength.

“You can’t replace a Trey Hall, but we’ve got weapons all around the field,” Evans said, referring to the 2022 Vicksburg Post Offensive Player of the Yearl, who had 1,424 total yards and 19 touchdowns. “It’s enough to where instead of me just playing outside I can play in the backfield and in the slot. We can move people around and we have a lot of athletes. We’ve got more weapons this year than last year.”

The Vikings have plenty of weapons on defense as well. Evans, who led the team with four interceptions, will anchor the secondary. In front of him are the top two tacklers from 2022 — senior linebackers Julien Demby and Garrett Orgas-Fisher — and junior defensive ends Ronnie Blossom and Larry Reynolds.

Blossom and Reynolds combined for 11 sacks and 26 tackles for loss last season. Demby had 72 total tackles and 11 tackles for loss.

Demby said having so many

VIKINGS AT A GLANCE

Head coach: Josh Morgan (14th season)

Assistant coaches: Rob Morgan, Corey Wilson, Tim Hughes, Matt Brewer, Wayne Lynch, Robert Morgan, Craig Crews, Matt Williams, Gage Quimby, Cedric Jackson, Kacey Meyers

2022 record: 10-2

2022 playoffs: Lost 36-28 to Brandon in second round of MHSAA Class 6A playoffs

Key losses: QB Jack Wright, WR/DB Trey Hall, RB Mark Gray, DB Treyvion Sanders, DL Demarcus Jones, OL Jerald Woods, OL Brandon Snowden

Key returners: WR Maddox Lynch, WR/DB Zack Evans, K Jonah Artman, LB Julien Demby, LB Garrett Orgas-Fisher, DE Ronnie Blossom, DE L.J. Reynolds

Outlook: Warren Central is a perennial playoff team in MHSAA Class 6A — it has been to the postseason 11 consecutive years, and won a playoff game in six of the last eight — and nothing has changed. The Vikings have the core of a strong defense returning, along with several playmakers on offense. The schedule remains difficult as always, but there are plenty of pieces in place to push through and contend for not only the Region 2-6A championship, but a state championship as well.

2023 SCHEDULE

All games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 25 r-vs. Clinton, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 1 .....................at Pearl

Sept. 8 .....................Germantown

Sept. 15 Brandon

Sept. 22...................at Madison Central

Sept. 29 Open date

Oct. 6 .......................*Ridgeland

Oct. 13.....................*Vicksburg

Oct. 20 *at Neshoba Central

Oct. 27.....................*at Callaway

Nov. 3 *Columbus

r-Red Carpet Bowl, at Vicksburg High

*MHSAA Region 2-6A games

key pieces back for another year together should make the Vikings even better. They held five of their 12 opponents to 13 points or less.

“I feel like our defense might be a little better this year,” Demby said. “Since we’ve already played together and already got that chemistry it’s really going to help us win more as a team and not just by ourselves.”

Winning as a team is exactly what the Vikings have done for years, and what they plan to do again. Their 11-year playoff streak is the third-longest among the 24 teams now in Class 6A — only South Panola (21 years) and Picayune (18) have longer active streaks — and they would certainly like to keep it going.

They’d also like to end a long cham-

2022 RESULTS

Warren Central 48, Forest Hill 6

Warren Central 20, Vicksburg 18

Warren Central 28, Germantown 13

*Warren Central 42, Oak Grove 41, OT

*Brandon 21, Warren Central 3

*Warren Central 35, NW Rankin 28

*Warren Central 38, Pearl 21

* Warren Central 35, Terry 0

*Warren Central 31, Petal 21

*Warren Central 24, Meridian 12

p-Warren Central 38, Gulfport 3

p-Brandon 36, Warren Central 28

*MHSAA Region 3-6A games

p-MHSAA Class 6A playoffs

pionship drought. The program’s last region championship was in 2004. The last state title came in 1994. It’ll take some breaks as well as skill to put those to rest, but Morgan expects the Vikings to be among the last teams standing.

“We expect to be in that conversation. But you can’t get too far ahead of yourself because that season and grind requires all the attention that you can give it,” Morgan said. “We have a very tough non-district schedule and a district that’s going to be extremely competitive. I feel disappointed every time we don’t win it. We’re hungry after it and we’ve been working toward that goal. We’re going to enjoy the journey with that in mind.”

The Vicksburg

The Vicksburg Post

PLAYMAKERS 2023

Zack Evans Jaylon Winters Chance Ward Teryn Green

Julien Demby

Aden Greer Ryan Nelson Ben McMullin Maddox Lynch

Nash Morgan Hayes Loper

Harber Williams Justin Evans Jonah Artman

Garrett Orgas-Fisher

Caleb Lane Ronnie Blossom

Landon Green Eric Collins Rickey Neal Roosevelt Harris

Johnathon Wilson Larry Reynolds

Keenan Watts Dekasei Crump Chester Savage Stanley Doyle Ceitrich Russell

Gavin Davenport

Josh Morgan Rob Morgan

Matt Brewer Corey Wilson Kacey Meyers

Leroy Barnes

Michael Hall Devin Allen

Chaka Walker Sam Thigpen Dwight Palmer

Michael Hill Pierre Marshall Ruben Trujillo

Fred Mixon Jaelen Randle

Jadarius Miller Cody Spivey

Samuel Ross Khalil Thomas

Neomiah Brown Prince Marshall

Austin Hughes Kemuriyan Coffie Jvaughn Griffin Claude King Kameron Reed Auston Moore

Stefen Harris Donovan Taylor Caleb Thomas Bryson Fischer Ashton Saleh Marquise Overton

Craig Crews Tim Hughes Matt Williams

Cedric Jackson Gage Quimby

Wayne Lynch

Ray’Mon Clark

Landon Lumpkin

Nic Westcott Keelan Acuff

Paul Polak

Carmelo Clark

Daniel Pitzer Spencer Smith

Beau Davis Allen Oliver Ja’Mari Gaines

Tekarius Qualls Demonte Hill Cordero Reed

Tommy Nelson Jacob Ashley

Kourtland Dillard Mack Bell Tejay McKinney

Dillon Williams

ZACK EVANS

WC SPEEDSTER EVOLVES AS A TWO-WAY STAR

At a school that’s been around as long and that has as much football tradition as Warren Central, it’s hard to be the first to do anything.

Zack Evans found a way.

The senior will become the first player in school history to wear the number zero this year, following a recent rule change. Evans wore No. 6 the past two seasons.

“After sophomore year, Coach Josh (Morgan) was going to let me pick my number. I had been wanting to wear zero because I’d seen people in college wearing it. They didn’t allow it last year, so this year the first question I asked was he going to allow zero,” Evans said. “Nobody’s ever had it at the school, so I’m just trying

to implement something else. Put a name to that. I’m trying to make it a big thing. Everybody’s got No. 1 and stuff like that. Nobody ever had zero.”

A uniform number is far from the only unique thing about Evans. He’s also a rare three-way starter who rarely leaves the field and excels in all phases of the game.

Evans plays defensive back and led the Vikings with four interceptions in 2022. He returns punts. And he’s also emerged as a big-play receiver who averaged a team-best 22.9 yards per catch last season.

“He’s a guy that has really developed and done a good job of working and turning himself into a really dynamic player. For him to be able to contribute for three years and play

on both sides of the ball is very rare,” Warren Central head coach Josh Morgan said. “He’s accomplished some amazing feats. He brings a level of explosiveness. He can run, he’s really smart, and he’s got a good football I.Q. Those things have helped him get on the field.”

Evans’ expansive role on Warren Central’s depth chart has evolved over time. He only played defensive back as a sophomore in 2021, but showed enough skill and explosiveness to also play on offense as a junior. He finished with 19 receptions for 436 yards and three touchdowns in 2022, while also leading the team in interceptions.

Like all high schools, Warren Central has had plenty of two-way

starters over the years. As a big Class 6A school, however, there are enough players on the roster that most specialize on either offense or defense. Morgan said Evans showed a unique talent that made him an exception.

“We don’t like to do that, for obvious reasons, but we couldn’t afford to keep him off the field,” Morgan said. “Just the productivity that he brings, we needed it out there, and he was able to give it to us.”

Evans acknowledged the rare opportunity — and challenge — he has in playing both ways at one of the highest levels of Mississippi high school football. Besides the grueling task of running on every play, he needs to know both the offensive and defensive playbooks and work with both groups in practice during the week.

“It was tough at the beginning because I had never done it before,” he said. “But as the year went on, the more reps you get in the game and I started doing extra conditioning. Running with more than one group to get in that mindset and body frame. It got easier as the season went on.”

Evans added that he embraced playing both ways both to help the team and because it was a chance to make his mark.

“Sophomore year I just played defense, so when I got a chance to go both ways I knew people don’t really play both ways at Warren Central so I was trying to make stuff happen any time I could,” Evans said.

Heading into his senior year, Evans is not done showing the world what he can do.

Warren Central’s offense had plenty of playmakers last season — seven players scored touchdowns of 30 yards or more — and Evans’ primary role was as a speedy deep threat. Almost all of those players graduated, however, so Evans will have a much bigger role in the offense this season.

He’s worked hard on route running and catching the ball, which will allow coaches to move him around the formation more.

“We’re opening up the route tree more because I can do more, instead of just being outside,” Evans said. “We’ve got some young guys that played a little bit last year and made a name for themselves that should do real good this year.”

Evans might even get some chances to run the football. Trey Hall, the 2022 Vicksburg Post Offensive

Player of the Year, was often used in wildcat packages as well as a runner and receiver. Morgan said snapping the ball to Evans is just another way to get it in the hands of one of the team’s best playmakers.

“We’re trying to get him the football. He’ll take a little bit of that load we were doing with Trey. He’ll get a little piece of that, too,” Morgan said. “He’s gotten better every year and really worked hard at that. We’re expecting a better year out of him this year.”

JOHN W YA TT MASSEY QUARTERBACK IS PCA’S ‘GO-TO-GUY’

Whenever things get tense for Porter’s Chapel Academy, John Wyatt Massey is the man with a plan.

“He knows every play. It’s all up in there. If you don’t know what you’re doing, just ask him. That’s the go-to guy,” junior running back Jase Jung said.

It’s not just a character trait for Massey. As the Eagles’ starting quarterback, it’s his job and a responsibility he takes very seriously.

The senior is entering his second season as a varsity starter and sixth playing the position in PCA’s system. It’s given him a healthy respect for all that comes with playing football’s premiere position.

“It’s a double-edge sword. You’ve got all the glory when you succeed, but when you fail it’s on you,” Massey said.

Massey has developed into a football savant during his high school career. He was a starting linebacker as a sophomore and has excelled on

both sides of the ball.

Massey had 70 tackles and three interceptions in 2021, when he primarily played defense. In 2022 he took over at quarterback and passed for 1,262 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 342 yards and seven TDs.

Head coach Blake Purvis said Massey calls the Eagles’ defensive signals as well and has become his second set of eyes on the field.

“He’s our quarterback on defense, too, making sure we’re in coverages

and all the assignments are taken care of and directing people. It’s a big benefit on both sides of the ball,” Purvis said.

Massey credited his high football I.Q. to a lot of game experience. He was PCA’s junior high quarterback for three years before moving up to the varsity roster, so the playbook is now hard-wired into his brain.

“That just comes from doing it. We’ve run the same offense since I was in the seventh grade. Pretty much every play, I know who’s got what and where to go,” Massey said. “There were several times the coaches asked what look the defense is giving, and then off of that we can make adjustments and I’ll give a suggestion.”

Massey’s long tenure as the head of the huddle has also put him in a leadership position among his teammates. The Eagles have five seniors and six juniors on the roster who have grown right alongside him.

Purvis was quick to say that it’s not a default position. Massey has earned their trust with the way he plays and carries himself.

“They follow his lead and the direction he gives. He’s matured in that on the field, in knowing how to direct and stuff,” Purvis said. “With that maturity from his side, I think we’ve seen a better response from the guys.”

Purvis added that Massey’s leadership shined through during the offseason, and will be critical as the schedule unfolds. The Eagles only have 13 players on the roster in grades 10-12, so having a trusted senior leader to direct them is important.

“We’ve seen it early on this year with our lack of depth and having to move guys around,” Purvis said. “Just calling the play and don’t worry about who’s in there because when the ball is snapped he’s got the other guys on the field going in the right direction.”

PORTER’S CHAPEL EAGLES READY TO SLAM ON THE GAS

After two consecutive playoff appearances, Porter’s Chapel Academy has turned a corner and is ready to stomp on the gas down the straightaway to a deep postseason run.

Head coach Blake Purvis made no bones about what it’ll take to make it happen.

“We have to stay healthy,” he said, as soon as the question was asked.

The Eagles have all of their key skill players returning, but no depth. There are only 13 players in grades 10-12 on the roster, which is a tiny number even by eight-man football standards.

The upshot is that the 2023 Eagles

have a high ceiling, but only if they’re able to keep everyone on the field.

“It’s either we got through it because we were healthy, or we didn’t because we weren’t healthy. That’s going to be the deal,” Purvis said. “I think our team chemistry is the best I’ve had in eight years here. Our practices have been faster. We’ve practiced at a higher tempo. We’re further ahead in our playbook than what we’ve been since I’ve been here. To me, if we stay healthy, the sky’s the limit for these guys.”

A big reason for Purvis’ optimism is that the list of returning starters is loaded with talent.

Junior running back Jase Jung had

1,031 total yards last season (687 rushing and 344 receiving) and scored 12 rushing touchdowns. On defense, he’s snagged 11 interceptions in his first two seasons as a starter.

Jung will be joined in the backfield by senior running back Ty Mack and quarterback John Wyatt Massey, who combined for 849 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022. Mack also caught 24 passes and Massey threw for 1,262 yards and 12 TDs.

“We’ve got a really good 1-2-3 punch with Jase, Ty and John Wyatt carrying the ball,” Purvis said. “All three of them can take the snap, all three of them can take the handoff

and all three of them can throw it. I think we’ll see all three of them do all three things this year.”

Jung led the Eagles with 28 receptions last season. Senior receivers Thomas Azlin (12 receptions, 184 yards, three touchdowns) and Taylor Labarre (25 receptions, 272 yards, one TD) are also back.

Jung said he feels like the team’s speed is among the best in MAIS Class 2A.

“We just don’t have that many players. But if we work hard this season I feel like we’ve got it. The teams that we play, I feel like they can’t keep up with our speed and agility,” Jung said.

Up front, returning veterans Conley Johnston and Hunter Simms will join sophomore center Jackson Blackmon on the offensive line. They’ll also play most of the snaps on defense.

Repeating the theme of the season, Purvis said keeping those three on the field for a full season is critical.

“We’ve got a lot of weapons. Our biggest red flag is going to be staying healthy up front so that we can get these guys the ball and let them play. I think if we do that we’re going to be tough to stop,” Purvis said.

PCA’s five seniors — Massey, Labarre, Azlin, Mack and Gavin Pugh — have helped the program emerge from a long walk in the high school football wilderness.

PCA has made consecutive trips to the MAIS playoffs for the first time since 2011-12, and its first-round victory over Ben’s Ford last season was its first since 2008. Although the team is 11-11 overall the past two years, there’s a sense that the foundation for a breakthrough in 2023 has been laid.

“We know what it takes to get to the playoffs. Now we’re trying to figure out what it takes to make a deep run,” Massey said. “I think what that takes is more focus — not just on Fridays, but Monday through Thursday. Get what you need to get done and execute.”

And if they’re able to do that, then

EAGLES AT A GLANCE

Head coach: Blake Purvis (eighth season)

Assistant coaches: Chris Simms, Daniel Slayton, Darrell Purvis, Billy White

2022 record: 5-6

2022 playoffs: Lost 42-0 to eventual champion Tunica Academy in the second round of the MAIS Class 2A playoffs

Key losses: OL/DL Maureon Simms, OL/DL Hayden Beard, K Daniel Llopis

Key returners: QB John Wyatt Massey, RB/DB Taylor LaBarre, WR/DB Jase Jung, WR/DB Thomas Azlin, RB/LB Ty Mack

Outlook: The Eagles have plenty of talent, with starting QB John Wyatt Massey, leading rusher Jase Jung and their top three receivers all coming back. They just don’t have much depth. There are only 13 players in grades 10-12 on the roster, which is small even by eight-man football standards. PCA’s fortunes will hinge on managing its depth and avoiding injuries. If the Eagles can stay healthy and keep from wearing down, they should reach the playoffs for the third year in a row and make some noise.

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m.

Aug. 11.......... at River Oaks

Aug. 18 Delta Academy

Aug. 25 at Prentiss Christian

Sept. 1 Riverdale

Sept. 8 ........... at Humphreys Academy

Sept. 15......... *Park Place

Sept. 22......... Tensas Academy

Sept. 29 *at Hillcrest Christian

Oct. 6 Sharkey-Issaquena

Oct. 13 Wilkinson Christian

Oct. 20........... *at Prairie View

*MAIS District 3-2A games

2022 RESULTS

PCA 55, Kemper Academy 12

Manchester Academy 38, PCA 0

PCA 60, Discovery Christian 0

PCA 30, Ben’s Ford 20

Wilkinson Christian 36, PCA 32

*PCA 50, Prairie View Academy 42

Prentiss Christian 42, PCA 6

Christian Collegiate 36, PCA 13

*Tallulah Academy 64, PCA 20

p-PCA36, Ben’s Ford 30

p-Tunica Academy 42, PCA 0

*MAIS District 3-2A games

p-MAIS Class 2A playoffs

EAGLES ROSTER

Purvis thinks there’s a good chance the Eagles will still be working in November.

“Third and fourth quarters are going to be big for us, playing with 12 guys. Getting in shape and staying

healthy are going to be the two big keys,” Purvis said. “If we get in shape and can hold on and finish games in the third and fourth quarter and stay healthy, I think we can move forward and take that next step.”

PORTER’S CHAPEL ACADEMY JUNIOR HIGH

The Vicksburg Post

PLAYMAKERS 2023

Daniel Slayton

Chris Simms Darrell Purvis

Blake Purvis

Hunter Simms Lakelan Pecanty

Grayson Price Chad Fuson

Thomas Azlin

Clayton McClure Henry Slayton

Cade Skellion Cameron Potter Korvin Finch

Gavin Pugh Coltin Hancock

Taylor Labarre Jase Jung

Ty Mack Carson Hays

John Wyatt Massey

Landon Fuson

Conley Johnston

BRYCE NICHOLS

Porter’s Chapel Academy’s junior high football team includes Chase McClure, John David Whitehead, Myles Randle, Grayson Price, Lakelan Pecanty, Landon Fuson, Korvin Finch, Cade Skellion, Carson Hays, Chase McClure, Coltin Hancock and Madelyn Whitehead.

Jackson Blackmon

mississippi college football schedules

Ole Miss

Sept. 2 Mercer, 1 p.m. (SECN+)

Sept. 9 at Tulane, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

Sept. 16 Georgia Tech, 6:30 p.m. (SECN)

Sept. 23 *at Alabama

Sept. 30 *LSU

Oct. 7 *Arkansas

Oct. 14 Open date

Oct. 21 *at Auburn

Oct. 28 *Vanderbilt

Nov. 4 *Texas A&M

Nov. 11 *at Georgia

Nov. 18 Louisiana-Monroe

Nov. 23 *at Mississippi State, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

*Southeastern Conference games

Mississippi State

Sept. 2 Southeastern Louisiana, 3 p.m. (SECN)

Sept. 9 Arizona, 6:30 p.m. (SECN)

Sept. 16 *LSU, 11 a.m. (ESPN)

Sept. 23 *at South Carolina

Sept. 30 *Alabama

Oct. 7 Western Michigan

Oct. 14 - Open date

Oct. 21 *at Arkansas

Oct. 28 *at Auburn

Nov. 4 *Kentucky

Nov. 11 *at Texas A&M

Nov. 18 Southern Miss

Nov. 23 *Ole Miss, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

*Southeastern Conference games

Southern Miss

Sept. 2 Alcorn State, 6 p.m. (ESPN+)

Sept. 9 at Florida State, 7:30 p.m. (ACCN)

Sept. 16 Tulane, 3 p.m. (ESPNU)

Sept. 23 *at Arkansas State

Sept. 30 *Texas State

Oct. 7 *Old Dominion

Oct. 17 *at South Alabama, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

Oct. 28 *at Appalachian State

Nov. 4 *Louisiana-Monroe

Nov. 9 *at Louisiana-Lafayette, 6:30 p.m. (ESPNU)

Nov. 18 at Mississippi State, 11 a.m. (ESPN+)

Nov. 25 *Troy

*Sun Belt Conference games

Alcorn State

Sept. 2 at Southern Miss, 6 p.m. (ESPN+)

Sept. 9 at Stephen F. Austin

Sept. 16 McNeese State

Sept. 23 *Prairie View A&M

Sept. 30 *at Alabama State

Oct. 7 *Grambling

Oct. 14 Open date

Oct. 21 *at Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Oct. 28 *Mississippi Valley State

Nov. 4 *Southern U.

Nov. 11 *at Texas Southern

Nov. 18 *at Jackson State

*Southwestern Athletic Conference games

Jackson State

Aug. 26 a-vs. South Carolina State, 6 p.m.

Sept. 3 m-*vs. Florida A&M, 2 p.m.

Sept. 9 *at Southern U., 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Texas State

Sept. 23 *Bethune-Cookman, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30 Open date

Oct. 7 b-vs. Alabama A&M, 4 p.m.

Oct. 14 *Alabama State

Oct. 21 *at Mississippi Valley State

Oct. 28 *at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 2 p.m.

Nov. 4 *Texas Southern, 2 p.m.

Nov. 11 Open date

Nov. 18 *Alcorn State, 2 p.m.

*Southwestern Athletic Conference games

a-at Atlanta; m-at Miami; b-at Mobile, Ala.

Mississippi Valley State

Sept. 2 c-vs. Central State

Sept. 9 Open date

Sept. 16 at Delta State

Sept. 23 i-vs. North Carolina Central

Sept. 30 *Florida A&M

Oct. 7 *at Prairie View A&M

Oct. 14 *Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Oct. 21 *Jackson State

Oct. 28 *at Alcorn State

Nov. 4 *at Bethune-Cookman

Nov. 11 *Alabama State

Nov. 18 *at Alabama A&M

*Southwestern Athletic Conference games

c-at Chicago; i-at Indianapolis

Delta State

Aug. 31 at Missouri S&T, 6 p.m.

Sept. 9 *at Chowan, 1 p.m.

Sept. 16 Mississippi Valley State, 6 p.m.

Sept. 23 *Shorter, 6 p.m.

Sept. 30 *at West Alabama, 4 p.m.

Oct. 7 *at Valdosta State, 1 p.m.

Oct. 14 *North Greenville, 6 p.m.

Oct. 21 *West Florida, 3 p.m.

Oct. 28 Open date

Nov. 4 *at West Georgia, 6 p.m.

Nov. 11 *Mississippi College, 3 p.m.

*Gulf South Conference games

mississippi college football schedules

Mississippi College

Aug. 31 at Keiser, 5 p.m.

Sept. 9 at Midwestern State, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 *West Georgia, 2 p.m.

Sept. 23 *at West Alabama, 6 p.m.

Sept. 30 *at Shorter, 11 a.m.

Oct. 7 Open date

Oct. 14 *Valdosta State, 2 p.m.

Oct. 21 *Chowan, 6 p.m.

Oct. 28 *at North Greenville

Nov. 4 *West Florida, 2 p.m.

Nov. 11 *at Delta State

*Gulf South Conference games

Millsaps

Aug. 31 at Belhaven, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 McMurry, 1 p.m.

Sept. 16 *at Sewanee, 1 p.m.

Sept. 23 *Hendrix College, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30 *at Birmingham-Southern, 4 p.m.

Oct. 7 *Rhodes College, 3 p.m.

Oct. 14 *at Berry College, 5 p.m.

Oct. 21 *Centre College, Noon

Oct. 28 *at Trinity, Noon

Nov. 4 *Southwestern University, 1 p.m.

*Southern Athletic Association games

Belhaven

Aug. 31 Millsaps, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 at Lyon College, 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 Open date

Sept. 23 *Greensboro College, Noon

Sept. 30 *at North Carolina Wesleyan, Noon

Oct. 7 *Huntingdon, Noon

Oct. 14 *at LaGrange College, Noon

Oct. 21 *Mehtodist University, Noon

Oct. 28 *at Maryville, Noon

Nov. 4 *at Southern Virginia, Noon

Nov. 11 *Brevard College, Noon

*USA South Conference games

Hinds Community College

Sept. 7 at Northeast Mississippi, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Northwest Mississippi, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 East Central, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Pearl River, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Jones College, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 Southwest Mississippi, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 Itawamba, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28 at Mississippi Gulf Coast, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 Copiah-Lincoln, 6:30 p.m.

Holmes CC

Sept. 7 Pearl River, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 East Central, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 at East Mississippi, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 Coahoma, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Northeast Mississippi, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 Itawamba, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Mississippi Delta, 3 p.m.

Oct. 26 Northwest Mississippi, 3 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Southwest Mississippi, 6:30 p.m. Miss. Gulf Coast CC

Sept. 7 Northwest Mississippi, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 Itawamba, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Southwest Mississippi, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at East Mississippi, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 Pearl River, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 Copiah-Lincoln, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at East Central, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 28 Hinds, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 Jones College, 7 p.m.

CHAD MCMULLIN

WC COACH REMEMBERED AS ‘ONE OF A KIND’

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in The Vicksburg Post on July 19, 2023.

During a 25-year career, Chad McMullin taught a generation of Warren Central athletes and students the virtues of sweat and the value of a joke.

McMullin instilled a strong work ethic in his pupils, sometimes by putting in the same hard work he demanded of them. Afterward, he was never afraid to share a one-liner and a smile that endeared him to everyone he met.

It was the mix of humor and hard work that friends and colleagues remembered most after Warren Central’s longtime strength and conditioning coach died July 15 at the age of 52.

“I don’t have anybody to compare him to. He was just unique in such a good way. He loved his family. He loved Warren Central. And he loved his players, the guys and girls that he coached,” Warren Central football head coach Josh Morgan said. “He lived such a good life and made such a positive impact. He’s one of a kind. So many good memories. So many good times. He was loved and was a big part of our family.”

McMullin came to Warren Central in 1998, first at its junior high school and then at the high school a few years later. He was one of the longest-tenured members of the current football coaching staff.

“He’s like a family member. We’ve been knowing him for such a long time and it’s just so shocking. It feels like you’ve lost a family member,” Vicksburg Warren School District athletics director James Lewis said.

Although he was primarily attached to Warren Central’s football pro-

gram, McMullin’s talents were hardly limited to that sport. He took over as the powerlifting head coach in 2001 and had been in that role ever since. He started the girls’ powerlifting program as well, in 2016.

He served as the head cross country coach and a junior high basketball and football coach at various times, and helped the school’s other athletic programs with their strength and conditioning work.

“He’s been involved in a lot of different shapes and forms. Junior high football, then he moved over here and has been in everything from cross country to football, of course the powerlifting. Just many different aspects,” Morgan said. “He’s touched a lot of lives through those different channels. He dedicated his life to not only this school, but this community and these kids. He was a

mighty important figure.”

In his many roles, McMullin helped mold many of Warren County’s athletes for more than two decades. Lewis, who graduated from Warren Central in 2004, was among the first athletes McMullin taught.

“We were his first graduating class. We’ll never forget him. He basically came with us when we left junior high to come to the high school,” Lewis said. “Coach McMullin was what we knew, and he really took pride in that strength training program. He made us work hard and focus on our bodies. He was a good leader when it came to that kind of stuff. He knew it like the back of his hand.”

The knowledge came as much from practical experience as it did books and classrooms. McMullin was a competitive powerlifter who could

Ben and Brandie McMullin

bench press well over 500 pounds.

Christopher Lacey, the football head coach at Vicksburg High School, graduated from Warren Central in 2007. He said seeing McMullin put in that kind of effort inspired Warren Central’s players to work harder.

“We caught them back when they were fresh out of college, when Coach McMullin and Coach (Corey) Wilson were putting 375 on the bar and you were amazed that they would do that,” Lacey said. “That was something that pushed everybody else. Kind of like looking at some superheroes.”

If McMullin was a superhero, he was one who was down to earth. Friends remembered him as quick with a tension-lightening joke whenever it was needed.

“He was always joyful. He had such a great personality. He just had a way of making you laugh. Such a unique personality and a wonderful sense of humor. He was one of a kind, for sure,” Morgan said.

McMullin also had a deep sense of pride in his players as they moved on in life. Lacey said that, even after his own coaching career began in 2015, McMullin remained a mentor.

“He would give me advice on things. I started to see a different side of him when I made it to college,” Lacey said. “I would come home from Mis sissippi College and go to Warren Central to work out during summer. He would come in and almost be proud to show the other players that this is one of his guys who took a commitment to the weight room and built his muscles and all that. I would always tell people that Coach McMul lin built my foundation in the weight room.”

St. Aloysius football head coach

Bubba Nettles coached Vicksburg

High’s powerlifting team during a long run at that school, and often shared buses with Warren Central’s squad to various meets. He said McMullin’s love for his family and

work always shined through.

“Coach McMullin was definitely one of the great ones. He was passionate about his work and always believed in the young men he was building both physically and spiritually,” Nettles said. “One thing that was always clear to me was his love for all things Warren Central, the study of strength and conditioning, but most of all he absolutely loved his family. The world lost a great one. We need more Chads in this world, not less.”

In the days after news of McMullin’s death broke, current and former Warren Central students flooded social media outlets with memories of his long tenure. It was almost impossible to find a negative one.

A GoFundMe account that was set up to help the family with funeral expenses raised nearly $13,000.

“On behalf of the family, I just want to thank everyone in the community. It means a lot to us,” said Ben McMullin, who is a senior football player for Warren Central.

The outpouring of support was the ultimate tribute to a life that touched hundreds of others, Morgan said.

“In our profession you don’t get many pats on the back,” Morgan said. “But the people that you’ve been with, when they show that amount of love and respect — especially after they leave — it’s a great feeling that I know he would appre -

Chad McMullin

TALLULAH ACADEMY

TROJANS SET THE STANDARD IN 8-MAN FOOTBALL

Ever since they entered the MAIS’ eight-man football division in 2014, Tallulah Academy has made its blue-and-gold the gold standard.

The Trojans have played in six state championship games in the past nine years and won three of them. The last was in 2018, however, which is starting to create an itch within the program.

“It’s like bad luck. We’re rolling, we get there, and the breaks don’t go our way. It’s just crazy. We’ve beat ourselves the last three state championships,” Tallulah coach Bart Wood said. “We’ve had a better season than every team but one.”

As the 2023 season dawns, the Trojans are once again expected to contend for a championship despite being in a position they haven’t been in for a couple of years. Ten seniors, many of them multiple-year starters, were lost to graduation. Only three offensive and one defensive starter are back.

The roster overturn might be a

TROJANS ROSTER

crisis for some teams, but senior tight end Cade Morgan said the Trojans are handling it well.

“We’ve got a lot of new kids this year and they’re still learning. The seniors that have been there for a while are teaching them plays and how we run stuff,” said Morgan, who is entering his fifth season as a

starter.

Helping ease the worry is a tremendous amount of depth. Wood said 24 players are on the roster, which accounts for nearly every boy attending the high school. He credited the program’s long-term success for generating interest within the student body.

Name Pos. Gr.

“Kids want to be a part of it. We have every kid in the high school playing football but three,” Wood said. “It’s just tradition. They buy into it, they want to do it.”

The starting lineup was expected to be in a state of flux until the District 2-1A opener Sept. 1 at Briarfield, but some positions are locked down.

Morgan at tight end, junior center

Eli Labauve and Porter’s Chapel Academy transfer Matt Malone will anchor the line. Junior running back Brayson Morson, who had 996 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2022, will carry the load in the running game.

And senior Hayes Hopkins will move from wide receiver to quarterback to try and fill the big shoes of Dee Morgan. Morgan was a three-year starter and an All-MAIS selection who signed with Copiah-Lincoln Community College to play baseball. He had 1,100 rushing yards and 1,052 passing yards last season, and 31

TROJANS AT A GLANCE

Head coach: Bart Wood (fifth season)

Assistant coaches: Robbie Kivett, Andrew Kadjan, Jason Morson, Ryan Williams

2022 record: 10-2

2022 playoffs: Lost 46-6 to Tunica Academy in the MAIS Class 2A title game

Key losses: QB Dee Morgan, RB Wyatt Bedgood, OL Colton Cone, OL/DL Kody Vickery

Key returners: QB Hayes Hopkins, RB/LB Brayson Morson, OL/DL Landon Wells, TE Cade Morgan, OL/DL Matt Malone

2023 SCHEDULE

All games begin at 7 p.m.

Aug. 11 Tensas Academy

Aug. 18 at Riverdale

Aug. 25.......... Franklin Academy

Sept. 1 ........... *at Briarfield

Sept. 8 *Union Christian

Sept. 15 at Wilkinson Christian

Sept. 22 at Prairie View

Sept. 29......... *Sharkey-Issaquena

Oct. 6 ............. at Prentiss Christian

Oct. 13........... *at River Oaks

Oct. 20

*Claiborne Academy

*MAIS District 2-1A games

2022 RESULTS

Tallulah 44, Briarfield Academy 12

Tallulah 52, Franklin Academy 22

Tallulah 58, Riverdale 40

Manchester 36, Tallulah 26

Tallulah 44, Prentiss Christian 21

*Tallulah 62, Prairie View Academy 32

Tallulah 54, Discovery Christian 14

Tallulah 52, Newton Academy 22

*Tallulah 64, Porter’s Chapel 20

p-Tallulah 44, Prentiss Christian 16

p-Tallulah 52, Newton Academy 30

p-Tunica 46, Tallulah Academy 6

*MAIS District 3-2A games

p-MAIS Class 2A playoffs

total touchdowns.

Wood said Hopkins is not as good a passer as Morgan — few at that level were — but that he’s shown an ability to manage the team and the offense.

“I think he’s going to be fine. Can he spin it like Dee? No. But he’s such a smart player and he can run the

offense,” Wood said. “We threw it more with Dee more than we’ve ever thrown it, just because he could spin it. (Hayes) can run the offense, and we’ve got a lot of good backs, so we’re going to go back to what we used to do.”

The Trojans are hoping that

includes winning championships. They’re eager to add a fourth trophy to the ones from 2015, 2016 and 2018 that are starting to look a little lonely in their case.

“Hopefully we can not fall off — and I don’t think we are. I think we’re going to have a real good year,” Wood said.

PLAYMAKERS 2023

Robbie Kivett Andrew Kadjan

Bart Wood

Cayden Allen Luke Moberley

Charlie Vining

Laken Wilder

Bronson Lopez J.T. McDaniel

Hayes Hopkins Carter Marsh

Mac Cagnoletti

Denton Ray

Connor Miller Ric Gayle

Marian Strange

Cade Morgan

Landon Wells Brayson Morson Elton Fortenberry Gage Palmer Cooper Ellerbee

Zac Nolan Eli Labauve

Matt Malone Jon Fortenberry Tripp Gayle

Logan Hallman

Stewart Grady

CADE MORGAN

TALLULAH ACADEMY STAR MAKES A SPLASH

Cade Morgan knows what it’s like to be part of a state championship celebration. He was in the dogpile in 2021 when Tallulah Academy won the MAIS Class 1A baseball title, and held the banner after the school’s Class 3A golf championship last spring.

Those aren’t the rings he’s chasing, though. The one he really wants is football, and he’s only got one more shot at it.

“I haven’t won one. I’ve been close twice. I would be so happy,” Morgan said.

Morgan is entering his fifth year as a starting tight end for Tallulah Academy’s football team. He’s played in two MAIS eight-man championship games in that time, in 2020 and 2022, but the Trojans lost both times.

Now a senior, he said he’s trying to be both an elder statesmen on the team and enjoy his last ride as a high school football player.

“I think I’ve done pretty good. I started in the state championship game my eighth-grade year when we played Briarfield. That was big for me. I’ve started ever since,” Morgan said. “What I’m trying to tell the younger kids is that it goes by fast. Have fun and make it count.”

Morgan originally played both linebacker and tight end, but has been used almost exclusively on offense the past couple of seasons. He caught 12 passes for 286 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, but only had one touchdown reception last season.

Tallulah head coach Bart Wood said the dropoff in production was a product of success.

“His sophomore year he had six or seven touchdowns and a whole

bunch of two-point conversions. Last year, every team we played had somebody on him. That’s what’s hard for Cade to understand sometimes, is how much that does for the rest of the team,” Wood said.

Although Morgan hasn’t been able to celebrate as many touchdowns, Wood was quick to point out that he’s still helping the Trojans score plenty of them. The team averaged more than 50 points per game in 2022 and Morgan’s role as a blocker and a decoy contributed to that.

“We always like to throw to the tight end, and we always use them for blocking and pulling. They do so much on our team,” Wood said. “The tight end is so crucial to our team and he’s been there for three years now and done whatever we’ve asked.”

If Wood has one complaint, he said, it’s that Morgan is “too nice.” The

soft-spoken senior leads more by example than with words, and has a friendly personality that people tend to gravitate toward.

“Football is hard for him, because he’s such a nice person,” Wood said. “Great heart. He loves people. When kids come up, they come to him. It’s great to see a kid like that.”

Now Morgan is hoping to finish his high school career by giving them all one last thing to cheer about. Tallulah Academy has played for an MAIS eight-man championship in various classifications in six of the past nine years, although it has not won one since 2018.

Being part of a program that is a perennial championship contender, Morgan said, has been enjoyable.

“It’s the best feeling in the world,” Morgan said. “You know you’re going to go far. With this team we have this year, we’re going to be pretty good. We’ve got a lot of talent.”

MAKING HISTORY

ST. AL’S HISTORIC STADIUM GETS A FACELIFT

Walking through the entrance at St. Aloysius’ football field is to take a journey through Vicksburg’s sports history.

The unassuming green space on Grove Street has had several names and hosted hundreds of games since the late 19th century. From Beck’s Bottom, to the St. Aloysius Athletic Field, Farrell Stadium and Balzli Field, and soon the Pinkston Family Athletic Complex, it has evolved but been a constant in the River City’s landscape since the 1890s.

“As a history major, walking out that door and staring at that field and seeing the ghosts of football past, and who all has played out here, it’s neat,” said St. Alfootball coach Bubba Nettles, the field’s current caretaker.

A LONG HISTORY

St. Al’s field was originally called Beck’s Bottom, and served as a community space where a number of groups and clubs gathered to play. During the first part of the 20th century, as high school sports took root in Mississippi, it became Vicksburg’s primary football venue. St. Al, as well as the original Vicksburg High, Carr Central, and occasionally the county schools all played games there.

By the 1950s the action mostly shifted to City Park, and St. Al became the primary tenant of Beck’s Bottom.

A Vicksburg resident named James Farrell died in the late 1930s and bequeathed two houses that he owned on Monroe Street to the Knights of Columbus Council 898,

with instructions to build something in his memory.

In the fall of 1953, that became a football stadium to surround the field at Beck’s Bottom.

The 1,600-seat facility was built in less than a month, with the Knights of Columbus donating labor to accomplish the task between home games on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9. It was formally dedicated before a game against Utica on Oct. 22.

“The stadium will be constructed of steel set in concrete, according to Mr. (Warren) Doiron, and will be a permanent structure,” the Vicksburg Post reported at the time.

The stadium was named for Farrell and has been St. Al’s permanent football home ever since. Years later, longtime coach Joe Balzli’s name

A construction crew works on the new facade of St. Aloysius’ Farrell Stadium/Balzli Field n July.

was added to make the official name Joe Balzli Field at Farrell Stadium.

“This field here has seen a lot of football,” Nettles said. “Not just from St. Al, but from what I understand a lot of the public schools a long time ago played on this field. It’s got some stories and some legends have played on this field,”

INTO THE MODERN ERA

Farrell Stadium/Balzli Field has continued to evolve in the 21st century.

A $300,000 upgrade in 2000 replaced the original wood bleachers with the current metal ones, as well as a new pressbox. A fieldhouse was added in 2010, and LED lights installed in 2021.

For the 2023 season, the field will get perhaps its biggest renovation since the original 1953 construction — as well as another name.

In early 2022, the family of John Murray Pinkston, Jr. donated $1 million to Vicksburg Catholic School for the purpose of upgrading its athletic facilities. A number of projects have been undertaken since then, from painting the gym to sprucing up the Bazinsky softball and baseball fields that St. Al’s teams play on.

“With what that donation has allowed us to do with upgrading our facilities, taking care of our field, that’s a favor I can never repay,” said Nettles, who is also St. Al’s athletics director.

The biggest projects funded by the Pinkstons’ donation have been at Farrell Stadium/Balzli Field.

The first was to improve drainage on the playing surface. It has allowed the grass, which was often thin and dead, to flourish. More importantly, it has kept the surface playable even after heavy rains rather than turning into a muddy wasteland.

Other structural improvements followed. A retaining wall was built along the Grove Street side of the facility, and the space between the south end zone and the street was widened by a few feet to create

more walking space.

“Trying to figure out in terms of upgrades to the facility, what was the most important thing and what was the most fiscal thing to achieve what we wanted,” Nettles said. “Everywhere you turn out here, it’s completely brand new. It looks fantastic out here.”

The next phase of renovations have been going on since early this year

and were expected to be completed in time for the season opener on Aug. 18.

A concession stand was built near the home stands and stocked with new equipment. The gravel parking area behind the concession stand will be paved, as will the old gravel running path that goes around the perimeter of the football field. The old brick entrance will remain,

A monument honoring John Murray Pinkston Jr. has been placed in the south end zone of St. Al’s Farrell Stadium/Balzli Field.

but is getting plenty of upgrades as well.

Pinkston’s name will join those of Farrell and Balzli on a fresh facade surrounding the steps into the stadium. A monument honoring Pinkston has also been placed next to Balzli’s behind the south end zone.

“As much as he’s done, he’s owed that,” Nettles said.

The stadium’s ticket office and restrooms will remain in the entrance building, but have been completely gutted and modernized.

“Those (restrooms) were completely gutted. They’ve relaid the floor and put in new, upgraded stalls, toilets, sinks for both men and women,” Nettles said. “With the upgrades to the original concession stand and bathrooms, and now our brand new concession stand, you’re starting to physically see the changes that are being made. And it’s awesome.”

Pinkston’s gift, Nettles added, is doing more than upgrading Farrell Stadium for the next generation. It has helped spark more donations from the school’s alumni to fund even more projects down the line.

In late 2021, the Flashes Ath letic Association was formed as a revamped version of the school’s athletic booster club. The FAA, which is led by president Steve Smith, is serving as a fundraising arm that supports all of St. Al’s athletic programs.

“They completely revamped it. They came up with new bylaws and guidelines and everything else, and they have been running with it since the end of 2021,” Nettles said. “They have hit the ground running and every year it seems they increased the amount of fundraising for our athletic programs. They are the lifeblood of our school in terms of athletics. Joining that benefits every single sport that we offer, so it’s a big thing.”

Nettles wasn’t sure what the next phase of renovations might entail, but he was excited about the pros -

pect of making them. Taking care of one of Vicksburg’s iconic sports venues is now his responsibility, but he also said it was a community effort and he’s glad to have plenty of people in the St. Al community chipping in to help.

“Corey Pinkston’s donation really opened the eyes to our alumni and

fan base to say, ‘OK, let’s get some stuff done.’ It’s been wonderful,” Nettles said. “The one thing that St. Al survives on is the wonderful people of our community who have graduated from here, or have kids from here. We are one big, gigantic family that everybody is willing and wanting to help in any possible way they can.”

A new concession stand is part of the renovations at Farrell Stadium/Balzli Field.