Editor’s Note: This story will appear in “Playmakers,” The Vicksburg Post’s annual football preview magazine. The 48-page special edition is included with the Aug. 24-25 weekend print and E-editions of The Post and includes previews, features and more for all of Warren County’s high school teams.

His name is Knight. They call him Noon. Whatever the time, when he’s on a football field it’s always showtime.

Almost from the time he first put on a uniform at 4 years old, DeCorey Knight Jr. has been one of Warren County’s best players in his class. Heading into his senior year at Vicksburg High School, he’s ready to go out with a flash by leading the Gators to a great season — and maybe setting some records while doing it.

“This is the next step in my chapter of Vicksburg High School football,” Knight said. “Me being a captain and a team leader this year, I put a lot of emphasis on the weight room and getting in shape, doing what I need to be doing and getting in my playbook.”

Knight started his high school career at Warren Central, then transferred to Vicksburg after his freshman year. He immediately became part of a three-man rotation with Malik Montgomery and Johnny Smith that thrived in then-head coach Todd McDaniel’s run-heavy Wing-T offense.

As a sophomore, Knight rushed for 1,011 yards and 15 touchdowns. Montgomery also had more than 1,000 yards and Smith finished with 971.

Current Vicksburg head coach Chrstopher Lacey praised Knight and the other backs for working well together. At a position where everyone wants the ball, he said they were all patient and knew their roles.

“He had a loaded stable that he was in,” Lacey said. “Like I tell them, Derrick Henry used to run down the field on kickoffs. Ja’Vonta Smith was a fifth-string at one point in time. You just have to find your spot, and be in that spot, and contribute the best way you can. That’s what he did.”

With Montgomery and Smith injured for most of last season, Knight took the lead. He had a team-high 818 yards and four touchdowns while also showcasing his versatility out of the backfield.

In addition to his rushing totals, Knight had a kickoff return touchdown and caught 25 passes for 395 yards and three TDs. Lacey said Knight’s ability to create big plays any time he touched the ball was something he planned to lean on again in 2024.

“A lot of times when we needed a play, he was the guy to make the play,” Lacey said. “When you’ve got a special guy like that, you’ve got to give it to him — and we’re going to give him the ball. Everybody in America knows we’re going to give the ball to Noon. We’re going to ride that dude. We’re going to let him do his thing.”

Knight’s thing this season includes taking more of a leadership role. Montgomery and Smith were among eight three- or four-year starters who graduated. Now a three-year starter and a senior himself, Knight said he’s taken on the job of pushing himself and his teammates toward another outstanding season.

The Gators have reached the playoffs each of the past four seasons and got to the MHSAA Class 5A semifinals in 2022. The four-year playoff streak is the program’s longest since a six-year run from 1988-94.

“It’s either championship or bust for us. We’ve experienced the big stage. Now we know what it takes to get there,” he said. “Last year we didn’t quite meet the expectations. Us, and myself, and the team leaders and the seniors are pushing each other and the team to meet that standard.”

Another change for Knight this season is his uniform number. He’s worn No. 12 for his entire high school career — which led to his nickname of “Noon” — but decided to switch to No. 1 for his senior year.

Quarterback Ronnie Alexander had worn it since 2020, and when he graduated Knight said he snatched the number up.

“I chose 1 because I’ve been wearing it since I was playing ball. We had guys that have been in it, so I wanted to go out with what I started with,” Knight said.

So now Knight is No. 1 in the Gators’ program and in their hearts. He also has a chance to be No. 1 in their record book.

Knight has 1,829 yards and 23 touchdowns in his two varsity seasons at VHS. He is 1,118 yards and 12 touchdowns away from the school records in both categories, close enough to break them with an excellent season.

Knight also had 68 yards and one touchdown as a freshman at Warren Central. That counts toward his overall career total, but not the Vicksburg High career record.

The VHS yardage record is 2,946 yards, set by Sylvester Stamps from 1977-79. Phelan Gray has the touchdown record, with 34 from 2000-02. Montgomery finished his career with 33 TDs.

“The personal goal I set for myself was 2,500 (yards) so I want to push myself. I put in the work this offseason and I’m going to let God do the rest,” Knight said.

Lacey said he’s happy to give Knight the chance. Although Knight’s fellow running back Cedrick Blackmore will also get plenty of carries — he had 439 yards and three touchdowns in 2023 — Lacey said there’s no doubt who the go-to guy is going to be.

“That excites me to know that if he had half the touches with what he did, now what will he do with double the touches? He’s prepared for it,” Lacey said.

2024 Vicksburg High schedule
All games start at 7 p.m. unless noted
Aug. 30 — r-Holmes Central, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 6 — at Forest Hill
Sept. 13 — Natchez
Sept. 20 — Terry
Sept. 27 — at Yazoo City
Oct. 4 — Open date
Oct. 11 — *Neshoba Central
Oct. 18 — *Warren Central
Oct. 25 — *at Callaway
Nov. 1 — *Columbus
Nov. 8 — *at Ridgeland
r-Red Carpet Bowl
*MHSAA Region 2-6A games