Cooley, Goodson, Patten and Emerson named Warren Central cheer captains

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

Warren Central High School has announced Sydney Cooley, Paislee Goodson, Ziya Patten and Megan Emerson as captains of the 2026 football cheerleading team.

The four seniors will lead the Lady Vikes under first-year head coach Mercedes Buchanan as the program prepares for the upcoming football season.

Cooley:

Cooley, who was named head captain, said she is looking forward to leading the team despite the challenges it has faced.

“I feel like this will be a good season even though a lot of people didn’t want us in this position and some were looking for us to fail, so I’m excited to prove everyone wrong,” Cooley said.

Cooley began cheering with the River City Royals before joining the Warren Central program, where she has cheered for four years. She has earned All-American honors during each of her four seasons with the Lady Vikes.

As head captain, Cooley hopes to strengthen the team’s chemistry.

“I plan for us to get closer and stay united and prove everyone wrong,” she said.

After graduation, Cooley plans to attend an out-of-state university to study pre-law or political science. She is the daughter of Eric and Ava Cooley.

Goodson said serving as a captain gives her another opportunity to help her teammates succeed.

“I love helping our team and making us better, but I’m just ready to build some bonds,” Goodson said.

Goodson:

Goodson began cheering in middle school and now hopes to help the team continue growing together throughout her senior season.

Following high school, she plans to attend the University of Mississippi or Hinds Community College and pursue a career as an ultrasound technician. She is the daughter of Tim and Desi Goodson.

Patten:

For Patten, being selected as a captain came as a surprise but is an accomplishment she is proud to achieve.

“It’s honestly one of my biggest accomplishments when it comes to cheer, and I can’t wait to see what the season brings,” Patten said.

Patten, an All-American cheerleader, said she wants to help create a true sisterhood within the team while accomplishing the goals the Lady Vikes have set for the season.

After graduation, she plans to attend Louisiana State University and major in biology. She is the daughter of Andrew Patten and Aerial Stokes.

Emerson:

Emerson said she is thankful for the opportunity to serve in a leadership role.

“I feel amazing and I’m extremely grateful because this is a great opportunity,” Emerson said.

She said her favorite part of cheerleading is performing in front of fans and representing Warren Central. She also hopes to help build stronger relationships among the squad while enjoying her senior season.

Emerson has received the team’s Most Improved Award and the Pin It Forward Award during her time with the Lady Vikes. After high school, she plans to attend college and become an ultrasound technician.