Local Eighth and Ninth Grade Football Teams dominated in 2024

VICKSBURG, MS – Local eighth and ninth grade football teams had outstanding football seasons in 2024 with both Vicksburg and Warren Central both excelling and completing major accomplishments.

VJHS:

Vicksburg Junior High School finished 2024 with a 4-2 record under veteran Head Coach Larry Carter Jr. The Gators opened their season on a hot streak, winning their first four games. Everything started in late August when the Gators grabbed a 35-0 win over Byram Middle School.

Rico Thomas took the snaps at quarterback this season with Daylin Atkins, Antwuan Chiplin and Rodney Allen(OL) serving as his key targets. VJHS averaged 26 points per game with new offensive coordinator Joe Johnson Jr. calling the plays. On the defensive side of things, the Gators only allowed 15.5 points per game with Coach Jerdon Hardiman in charge of the defense. Brandon Smith, Daylin Atkins, Evan Herrington, and Clyde Mazie all played key roles.

The Gators were led by their coaching staff consisting of Carter, Hardiman, Johnson, and Jaylen Whitaker.

WCJHS:

Warren Central Junior High completed a magical season on Tuesday finishiing as the Little Six Champions. The Vikings went 7-0 under Head Coach Louis Green.

WCJHS’ coaching staff is a mixture of Eric Lawson, Charles Swartz, Gage Quimby, and Victor Tyrone.

The Vikings opened their season with a 40-26 win over Pearl. They would later defeat Clinton, Germantown, Byram, Old Towne, and VJHS. Just two days ago, the Vikings beat Brandon 26-7 to earn the gold trophy.

Offensively, WCJHS averaged 27 points per game with Cameron Zellous leading things from the quarterback position. His key targets were both Doss Morgan and Jordan Younger. Mikel Davis controlled the running game.

Defensively, Andrew Patten, Henry Trisby, Javion, Morgan, and Zellous all were productive in making multiple stops. The Viking defense only allowed nine points per game.

VHS 9th Grade:
Paul Wilson Jr. took over as a first-year Head Coach for the Vicksburg High School freshmen football team. Wilson led the team to a successful 5-1 season where he controlled the defense that only allowed 12 points per game.

The Gators popped their season off with a 30-8 blowout victory over Terry and they would continue to dominate on both offense and defense throughout the season.

Jaylen Butler, Jamari Johnson, Messiah Sims, and Deveyon Beard all kept the defensive side of things humbled throughout the season. 

TJ Selvy and Jordan Cruithirds both rotated at quarterback where Corbin Walker, Landon Prentiss, Jaylen Defrance, and Jayden Defrance were the key targets. Jaquez Jones controlled the running where the Gator offense secured 19.5 points game.

Overall, the Gators brought home wins over Clinton, Ridgeland, Terry, WC, and Rosa Scott. Their lone loss came from Germantown. The Gator coaching staff consists of Wilson, Shaun Archer and Tyrese Wolfe.

WCHS 9th Grade:

Warren Central Ninth Grade football team ended the year with a 3-3 record under Head Coach Matt Williams. They pulled off wins over Terry, Clinton, and Pearl.

The Viking defense produced one shutout as Braylon Jenkins, Paxton Lynch, Aiden Malone, and Devin Demby all made big stops. Offensively, WC averaged 23 points per game where Xavier Jackson, Javid Scott, Jomar Hunt, Landen Burks, and Jaylen DeFrance all contributed heavily. Trystan Fuller took the snaps at quarterback and Nick Lee had many successful kickoffs.

Matt Williams, Matt Brewer Wayne Lynch, and Jeff Scott all coached WC’s freshmen.