Warren Central’s Walker, Clark ready to lead in 2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Seniors Carmelo Clark and Chaka Walker are two of Warren Central High School’s top returning threats on the football field this season. Walker will anchor the defense from his linebacker position, while Clark will pave the way for the offense as a standout on the line.

Walker:

Walker has flown under the radar for much of his varsity career, but the hard-hitting linebacker is confident that he and the Vikings will find plenty of success in 2025.

“I’m feeling good, and we’re more disciplined than ever,” Walker said. “I’ve been working on my speed and I’m ready for anything this year.”

Walker steadily climbed the depth chart over the past three seasons. As a sophomore in 2023, he recorded 23 tackles. He followed that with a breakout junior campaign in which he notched 65 tackles and helped the Vikings’ defense capture a district title.

Now entering his senior year, Walker said he has mastered his position and is ready to play anywhere on defense. Even with the Vikings losing most of their defensive starters from last season, he remains confident.

“Don’t doubt us at all, because we’ve got nothing but leaders,” he said. “I know we lost a lot, but everyone is doing what they’re supposed to do. Come out and see something great.”

Walker currently holds four scholarship offers and expects more to come as the season approaches.

Clark:

Clark has built his reputation by keeping defenders away from Warren Central’s ball carriers, and the senior lineman said he’s ready for whatever challenges 2025 brings.

“We’ve got some good pieces coming back and some stepping up into the areas we lost last year,” Clark said.

Known for shutting down anything at the line of scrimmage, Clark said his pass blocking and down blocking have improved since last season. In 2024, with Clark as one of the key blockers, Warren Central rushed for 2,461 yards and passed for 1,413. He believes the ground game will only get better.

“We’re gonna run that ball all night until they stop it,” Clark said.

Clark currently has nine scholarship offers, with more expected before the season is over.

Walker and Clark play under head coach Josh Morgan. Warren Central opens the 2025 season Aug. 29 on the road against Clinton.