Jacob Porter: VDN’s Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year 2024-2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Jacob Porter made his mark on the soccer world this season. The Warren Central sophomore striker tripled his goal total from last season and became the playmaker the Vikings needed to remain one of the top teams in the state.

Porter has been named VDN’s Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year.

As a freshman, Porter contributed seven goals. A year later, he had a breakout season in which he recorded 26 goals and six assists and was selected to play in the Central Mississippi All-Star Game.

“This was a good year, but we didn’t make it to the championship like we wanted,” Porter said. “Overall, the North State Championship was a wonderful thing to make it to, and we couldn’t have done it without great coaches and playing as a team.”

Porter said the thrill of winning motivated him to stay at the top of his game. With his contributions, the Vikings won their district title and earned another shot at North State.

“I had to concentrate on doing my job, but my teammates made it easy for me,” he said.

Porter’s sophomore year was nothing short of magical as he helped the Vikings to an 18-3-2 season under head coach Greg Head. One of his best performances came against Morton, where he scored four goals in a 6-0 win.

With Porter leading the attack, Warren Central went on two seven-game winning streaks, with him scoring in most matches.

“I trained hard this year, and I always knew I could score, but my teammates gave me the opportunity to do so at the right time,” Porter said.

The Vikings’ season ended in a 2-0 loss to Center Hill in the North State Championship, marking their second consecutive appearance in the title match.

The 2024-25 season marks Porter’s first VDN Player of the Year selection, with two more years ahead to continue his success with the Vikings.

“I’m very grateful for this, but awards don’t mean anything unless you do great things with your team,” Porter said. “Hopefully, next year we continue to grow and make it to state.”