Former Vicksburg Coach Shaun Archer leads Madison Middle School to perfect season

TALLULAH, La. (VDN) — Longtime Vicksburg resident Shaun Archer Sr. has guided Madison Middle School to an undefeated football season in his first year as head coach. The Jaguars capped off a perfect 5-0 campaign this fall under Archer’s leadership.

“I felt good about the overall season, and there’s a lot of talent over there — they just needed someone to guide them,” Archer said. “I was fortunate to have four assistant coaches who helped out greatly, and I really thank them for what they did.”

Archer accepted the job just three days before the season opener, but the late start didn’t stop him from leading the Jaguars to wins over Crowville (28-22), Bastrop (24-8), General Trass (30-6), Rayville (36-0), and another victory over General Trass (34-0). Madison Middle averaged 30.4 points per game while allowing only 6.8, recording two shutouts.

Sixth grader Melvin Russell emerged as the team’s top performer, averaging three touchdowns per game while leading the team in tackles. Quarterback Fabian Williams directed the offense, and receiver/defensive back Deontre Allen was one of his top playmakers.

“All of those kids have a lot of talent and desire to learn, but what made it great was how they soaked up everything they were taught,” Archer said.

Archer credited his coaching staff — offensive coordinator Robert McDonald, offensive assistant Bryan Vaughn, secondary coach Fred Estes, and defensive assistant Eros Smith — for the program’s success.

A Port Gibson native, Archer played offensive line at Alcorn State University, where he blocked for NFL quarterbacks Fred and Steve McNair. He later spent nine years coaching in Port Gibson before joining the Vicksburg High School staff in 2008.

At Vicksburg, Archer served in numerous roles over 16 years, including defensive coordinator, linebackers coach, assistant head coach, and head track and field coach. He coached several college and professional players, including Super Bowl champion Malcolm Butler, and was named the Vicksburg Daily News Track Coach of the Year three times.

Archer said he applied lessons learned during his years at VHS to his new program in Tallulah.

“I took a lot of what I learned at Vicksburg and brought it with me,” he said. “It made all the difference.”

Archer served under seven head coaches during his time at VHS, and he now has his own program which became a success due to his experienced leadership.