One way to solve ball-security issues is to catch passes in the end zone. John Qualls did that last Friday night on two occasions to key the Vicksburg Gators to a 35-13 win over Yazoo County.

Qualls, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior has established himself as the go-to receiver in Warren County. In his last four games, Qualls has had at least 75 yards receiving. In his last three games, he’s caught 17 passes for 299 yards.

The biggest issue with Qualls, though, was holding on to the football after he made the catch. On three occasions, he’s had the ball stripped from him by opposing tacklers.

“A lot of that was me trying to make a play,” Qualls said after his four-catch, 95-yard performance at Yazoo County, which included touchdown catches of 20 and 15 yards and no fumbles. “I’m thinking I can outrun the defense, but I lose my focus. I’m not thinking.”

Now his thought process is that not every play is designed to score. Yet, he still makes big plays.

He’s had at least one catch and run for more than 50 yards in his last four games.

“I started off pretty slow. Then I started breaking off plays. But I realize, you don’t have to score on every play. It’s better to make sure we keep the ball,” he said.

Qualls’ big frame and soft hands have made him a favorite target for quarterback Stanton Price. For the season, Qualls has caught 27 of Price’s 86 completions for 506 yards and three TDs.

“John is so good for us because he can get over the top of the defense,” Price said. “He’s got big arms and that may have led to some of the fumbles. But he’s done better at holding on to the ball and get what he can out of the play.”

Gators coach Alonzo Stevens has no doubt about Qualls’ ability to be a factor at the collegiate level.

“John Qualls is a big-time wide receiver. He can make plays,” Stevens said.

Qualls said he has built an easy rapport with Price.

“Stanton’s a great quarterback. If our line blocks enough, he can find the wide open guy. I think my size makes it easier for him to find me, but the biggest thing for all of the receivers is to make sure we finish our routes,” Qualls said.

A solid student with a 3.0 grade point average, Qualls should give the Gators two Division I-bound wide receivers come February. Delmon Robinson has already committed to Mississippi State.

“Southern Miss has been talking to me a lot lately, ” Qualls said. “I’ve also heard from Iowa State and I’m going to take a visit to Mississippi State.”

Between now and then, Qualls hopes to improve the 5-2 Gators’ chances of advancing in the Class 4A playoffs. A win Friday against Lanier will clinch a playoff berth, but Vicksburg will need to win its last three games to clinch the Region 3-4A title.

“I’ve just got to stay focused,” Qualls said.