Wallyss Curry: VDN 2025 Defensive Player of the Year

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Tackle anything carrying a football. That was the standard Wallyss Curry lived by during the football season. If an opponent had the pigskin, Curry’s goal was simple: get them to the turf, and he made sure it happened.

The standout linebacker not only led Vicksburg High School in tackles, but also finished as Warren County’s leading tackler, capping an impressive junior season.

Curry has now been named the Vicksburg Daily News 2025 Defensive Player of the Year.

Curry helped the Gators reach the postseason in 2025, just one year after the team went winless in 2024. He recorded 40 tackles during his sophomore season but quickly decided that production was not good enough. That mindset led to a breakout junior campaign in which he totaled 150 tackles.

“This was a good season. I wish we could have gone a little further, but overall, I was pleased with everyone’s effort and determination,” Curry said.

He opened the season strong with 15 solo tackles in a win over Natchez. By the sixth game of the year, Curry was averaging more than 11 tackles per game and never slowed down, finishing the season with just one game in which he recorded fewer than 10 tackles.

Curry’s consistent performances earned him a spot on the All-State list following the season.

“Me and Coach Lacey talked about goals, so that was a major one,” Curry said. “I also wanted to be one of the best linebackers in the state.”

While his individual numbers stood out, Curry said he was most proud of the team’s turnaround from the previous year and the wins the Gators were able to put together.

“That feeling was the best because everyone counted us out,” Curry said. “Like Coach Lacey said, every comeback story has to have some adversity.”

Curry also credited his older brother, Wallyeke, for stepping in to help and sharing valuable knowledge of the game.

Curry’s vision and instincts kept him at the top of his game all season, as there were few players he could not track down and bring to the turf, making him a constant threat on defense.

With another season still ahead of him, Curry has only more room to grow and is expected to return as an even bigger force for the Gators next year.