Qualls and Reynolds named VDN’s Defensive Players of the Year

Vicksburg, Miss-Larry Reynolds Jr. and TK Qualls are VDN’s 2024 Co-Defensive Players of the Year. Both Qualls and Reynolds starred on the defensive line at Warren Central High School under Head Coach Josh Morgan.

The Vikings only allowed 13.1 points per game in 2024, but the success all started up front in the trenches where TK and LJ both made a major impact. With the combination of Allen Oliver and Ronnie Blossom, the 4-down linemen made the job easy for linebackers as they would snatch up ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage.

Qualls:

In his senior year, Qualls didn’t receive any recognition on the state level, but he easily earned the respect of anyone who watched him play the game of football. His true athleticism was shown on the field as he helped WC to a dream season in 2024.

“I played very hard this year because I wanted my team to win and I wanted the chance to play in college,” Qualls said. “Football means to world to me, and I feel that I showed my true talents.”

Qualls finished the year with 86 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Although his numbers look great, it was TK’s ability to fly off the ball and be face to face with the ball carrier just as soon as the ball snaps that caught the eye of many. 

Summer workouts and being hungry for a championship are things that TK testified that kept him wanting to improve his game in football. He also mentioned that Coach Tim Hughes played a heavy role in his success.

“He took me to all my camps and everything but without him, I probably wouldn’t have made it this far,” TK said.

Although TK has been a star football for the last few years, it all started in elementary school when he played for the YMCA in second grade before switching to play for the Warren County Ravens. In the span of that time, TK has witnessed himself become a stellar athlete who once thought he would never play again due to a neck injury, and now he stands as one of the country’s top athletes.

TK’s dream of becoming a college athlete has also come true as he officially signed a football scholarship to Holmes CC. last week.

Reynolds:

Coming into his senior season, Reynolds already had a reputation as being one of the best players but as he began, LJ quickly proved why he is known as the best. 

Reynolds not only excelled in his numbers in 2024, but he added “record breaker” to his resume as he is now WC’s all-time leader in sacks.

“This is one of the best years I’ve ever had personally and as a defense,” Reynolds said. There were some things we could’ve done better but we can’t change the past, but we did what we could.”

Reynolds testified that he worked heavily with Coach Corey Wilson Sr. which improved his game on many levels.

“He showed me how to be aggressive and to never stop until the play is finished,” Reynolds added.

LJ took what Wilson taught him and mastered his position. One of his best games was against Madison Central where he grabbed four sacks which put him on the path to breaking a school record. 

Reynolds ended his senior year with 90 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks. He also made the All-State, All-District, and All-County teams along with being the District Defensive MVP.

“My youngest siblings kept me motivated because seeing them excited for me always made me want to do better,” he added. 

Reynolds’ hard work has also given him a chance to play on the next level as he will sign in February.