Vicksburg’s Watson helped Briarfield Academy to a District Championship

Vicksburg, Ms-Vicksburg native Derrick Watson recently helped the Briarfield Academy football team to a District Championship. Watson serves as the team’s defensive coordinator as they currently stand with a 10-1 record while still in the race for a championship season.

“Still being on the field at this point of the season is satisfying to me,” Watson said. “The guys have put in a lot of work and we’re definitely seeing the benefits from their hard work.”

BA’s only loss came from Prairie View Academy but they have won every district game. Watson’s defense only allows 14 points per game while his secondary has grabbed an impressive 29 interceptions on the year. The Rebels’ defense has also produced four shutouts in 2024 with the latest one coming from Friday’s 54-0 win over Tensas Academy.

Watson is a 1995 graduate of Vicksburg High School where he played football under Head Coach James Knox. As a star defensive back, Watson helped VHS to an 11-2 season in 1993 and an 8-4 season in 1994 as he was under the direction of defensive coordinator Robert Erves.

After graduation, Watson signed to Hinds Community for track and joined the football team as a walk-on. He would eventually find himself starring at Jackson State University before his short stint in the Canadian Football League. He also played in the Arena Football League for the Birmingham Steeldogs before hanging up his football cleats.

Watson’s first coaching job was at his old high school(VHS) where he coached the defensive backs. He would eventually become defensive coordinator at St. Aloysius High School before taking the job at Briarfield Academy. Watson also assisted with track & field at Vicksburg High School.

The Rebels will host Claiborne Academy on Friday in the semifinals. A victory this week will land BA in the championship game.