McDaniel selected as VDN Head Coach of the Year

Head coach Todd McDaniel has been selected as the Vicksburg Daily News Head Football Coach of the Year. McDaniel and the Gators’ dedication and hard work led to Vicksburg High School’s successful football season in 2021 and allowed the Gators reached the second round of the playoffs.

This time last year, McDaniel wrapped up his first season as Vicksburg High School’s head football coach while only securing two wins on the field; another two in forfeit victories. Under his leadership, the Gators quickly bounced back and started knocking off teams that they struggled with the year before.

Early in the season, VHS fell to a 0-2 record. Then everything clicked. The team then shutout four straight opponents and won each of those games by over 30 points with McDaniel calling the plays.

The Gators finished second in their district with a 7-5 record and made it to the second round of the playoffs. Among with a successful season, 22 players were named to the All-District Team.

In order to make the season a success, McDaniel had to put trust in his coaching staff and a young roster built with multiple sophomores and juniors along with a few seniors. Each stepped up to make the season memorable.

McDaniel’s future as the Gators’ head coach is looking brighter than ever due to him returning the majority of his players next season.

McDaniel is now the third coach to win the VDN Coach of the Year Award and is now in the process of preparing his team for next season.

“First of all I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity at Vicksburg High,” McDaniel said. “Also I would like to thank my administrators Dr. Hyland & Preston Nailor for all of their support. I’m thankful for the great coaching staff that I have and wonderful student athletes that work so in making this program one of the best in 5A Football Programs in the state very soon. A Special thanks to my wife Janet, my kids, my mom Dr. Bettie & my brothers Timmy, Terrel & Reggie, they’ve always encouraged me in everything that I set out to do.”