From staff reports

Warren Central and Vicksburg High stared down some of the goliaths of Mississippi high school football this season. On Monday, two Vikings and two Gators took their place beside them.

WC defensive lineman Desmond Carson, along with Vicksburg offensive lineman Trey Curtis and defensive back Willis McGowan, were selected to the Mississippi Association of Coaches Class 5A All-State first team. WC punter Eric Richards was picked for the second team.

Carson, the Defensive MVP in Region 2-5A, led the Vikings with nine sacks. He also had 69 tackles, including 14 for loss, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups.

Richards averaged 36.9 yards on 62 punts, and also served as the Vikings’ long-distance field goal kicker. He was 3-for-7 on field goals, with a long of 43 yards.

McGowan was a playmaker for a strong Gators’ defense that posted three shutouts in its last five games. He led all Vicksburg-area players with seven interceptions, returning three for touchdowns. McGowan also had two sacks and 44 total tackles.

Curtis anchored a veteran Gators’ line that blocked for four backs who gained at least 173 yards apiece. Curtis also helped protect sophomore quarterback Stanton Price, who threw for 934 yards.

Warren Central was also well-represented in its own backyard. Five Vikings were picked to the All-Region 2-5A first team.

In addition to Carson, the Defensive MVP, and Richards, the All-Region punter, defensive backs Michael Robinson and Michael Holt, linemen R.W. Comans and Robert Sessums, and tailback Carleton Davis were all selected.

Eight other WC players – Trey Robinson, Greg Harrison, Chris Lacey, Jakoby Johnson, Ryan Williams, Trey Ettinger, Chris Jackson and Vic Tyrone – were named to the honorable mention list.