The best defense in Mississippi can now boast that it had the best player in Region 2-6A.

Warren Central linebacker DeArius Christmas, who finished the season with 128 tackles to spearhead a defense that allowed the fewest points in Class 6A, was selected the Region 2-6A Defensive MVP in voting by the league’s coaches.

Christmas led the Vikings with five interceptions, 4 ½ sacks, and three fumble recoveries. The senior had at least 100 tackles in each of his three seasons as a varsity starter. Christmas was also picked to play in this weekend’s Bernard Blackwell Mississippi all-star game.

“He has been a constant,” Warren Central coach Josh Morgan said. “The good thing about him is, he got better every year. He wasn’t the same player as when he started. That’s important, especially for a player who has success at a young age.”

Christmas wasn’t the only Warren Central player to capture an individual award in the all-region voting.

Senior cornerback Chris Stamps was named the league’s best defensive back and Alex Stevens its best quarterback.

Stamps picked off three passes — he finished his high school career with 13 interceptions — and had 25 tackles despite most teams throwing away from him. He had just as big an impact on offense, where he played wide receiver and led the team in receptions (32) and receiving yards (404). He caught four touchdown passes.

Stevens didn’t step into the starting lineup until this season, but had a solid senior campaign. He completed 57.8 percent of his passes and threw for 1,540 yards and 17 touchdowns. His touchdown total was one shy of tying a single-season school record.

In addition to the individual awards, Warren Central had five players selected to the All-Region 2-6A team — offensive lineman Derrick Dotson; linebacker Derrick Thomas; safety Michael Ware; and receivers Marcus Ragan and Larry Ferguson.

Ware was selected to play in this weekend’s Berrnard Blackwell Mississippi all-star game.

Dotson was a three-year starter at offensive tackle, while Ragan finished his high school career as Warren Central’s all-time leader in receptions.

Ferguson, a junior, caught 23 passes for 338 yards and one touchdown this season.

In Region 2-5A, Vicksburg High didn’t win any individual awards but did have six players named to the all-region team.

Defensive lineman Keithen Hargro, quarterback Marquez Pickett and wide receiver Kareeme Butler all were named first-team All-Region 2-5A. All three players are seniors.

Linebackers Rodrick Williams and Antonio Brown, defensive back Paul Wilson and wide receiver Tedarius Brown made the honorable mention list.

Hargro registered 61 tackles and led Warren County with 11 sacks. Pickett threw for 1,885 yards and 12 TDs, while Butler was his top target with 45 receptions for 865 yards and five TDs.

Antonio Brown led the Gators with 69 tackles and added four sacks. He also played running back and rushed for 187 yards and a team-high four touchdowns.

Williams, a junior, had 49 tackles, while the sophomore Wilson tied for the team lead with three interceptions.

Tedarius Brown, a junior, led the team with seven total touchdowns. He caught 27 passes for 521 yards and four scores, and also ran for 219 yards and three touchdowns.