Mississippi

Vote: Mississippi high school football player of the year (12/13/24)

Published

1 year ago

December 15, 2024

Vote: Mississippi high school football player of the year (12/13/24)

After another exciting season of football here in the Magnolia State, it is time to see who was the best high school football player in Mississippi this season. These phenomenal players led their teams to great seasons, and many will look to continue their career at the collegiate ranks. With that being said, we have nominated 16 players to be voted on for the player of the year. We ask you, the fans, to vote on who you think is the high school football player of the year in Mississippi.

Here are the nominees. Voting ends Dec. 31 at 11: 59 p.m.

The highly rated four-star prospect proved to not only be one of the top quarterbacks in the state, but was the best player to come through Noxubee County since former five-star defensive tackle, Jeffery Simmons, played for Noxubee from 2012-2015. Taylor had the numbers to back up his rating as a recruit too. He led the Tigers to the Class 3A state championship game where they fell to Choctaw County 34-27, but that does not take away from the season Taylor had. He completed 56 percent of his passes for 2,903 yards with 40 touchdowns. He also rushed the ball 124 times for 1,205 yards and 16 touchdowns.

If you are signed to play for an SEC school for football while playing in Class 1A, you better have some monster stats. Thankfully for Willis, that is exactly what he had. He had over 1,000 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns this season. He also had almost 500 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, but Willis was being recruited as a edge rusher which is where he did most of his damage this season. The composite four-star prospect that is committed to Mississippi State recorded 70 total tackles, 46 tackles for loss and 18 sacks.

Hill was the workhorse for the Golden Wave as he helped win them their first state title since 1992. Hill rushed for 2,289 yards and recorded 35 rushing touchdowns. The Mississippi State commit averaged over nine yards a carry this season which is absurd for a running back at any level.

Davis seemed to quietly put together one of the better seasons in Mississippi this season. The senior completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,518 yards and 41 touchdowns with only four interceptions. Also, you will notice a theme throughout that many of these quarterbacks are pure dual-threat quarterbacks, or they have some elusiveness to extend the play. Davis rushed for 305 yards and five touchdowns while averaging just over six yards a carry.

Nowell had arguably the best season at the receiver position in the state of Mississippi this year. He hauled in 74 receptions for 1,436 yards while averaging 19 yards per reception. He averaged 110 yards per game, but the most astonishing thing about his season is that he caught 27 passes for a touchdown.

Flowers had an outstanding season helping lead Charleston to the state championship where they eventually fell to Heidelberg. Prior to the state championship games, the junior rushed for 1,618 yards and 30 touchdowns. He averaged just over six yards per rush, and Flowers averaged over 110 rushing yards per game.

Wilcox had a fantastic season as one of the leaders for the Rebels. As the signal caller for their electric passing attack, Wilcox completed 58 percent of his passes for 3,623 yards with 41 passing touchdowns. He also showed some elusiveness rushing for 320 yards and nine touchdowns on 87 attempts.

The Mustangs number one target was the senior athlete who caught 61 passes for 1,171 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. Forbes averaged 19 yards per reception, and he averaged just over 106 yards per game. His big play ability helped the Mustangs win nine games this season.

Not only was Toler one of the top players in the MAIS, but he proved to be one of the top players in the entire state this season with his rushing numbers. The senior eclipsed the 2,000 yard mark by the skin of his teeth by gaining 2,001 rushing yards this season. He rushed for 35 touchdowns, and he averaged over 7 yards per carry this season.

According to On3 Sports, Womack is a four-star safety who is soon to become a five-star here in the coming months. He holds offers from Ohio State, Alabama, Texas A&M along with countless other schools, but he has also proven to be a reliable wide receiver. In the state championship winning season, Womack caught 54 passes for 1,045 yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged 19 yards per reception while averaging 80 yards per game from the receiver position. Womack does play both sides of the ball, and what he is able to defensively is why he is a highly rated recruit. He recorded 39 total tackles with eight interceptions. He took back four of his interceptions for touchdowns, and he also one punt return and one kickoff return go back for six.

Ausmer proved to be a pivotal piece for the Greyhounds’ defense throughout the season. His pass rushing ability helped them make a deep run into the playoffs before they lost to Brandon. On the season, he recorded 65 solo tackles and 83 total tackles. Ausmer found it easy to get into the backfield by recording 41 tackles for loss and getting to the quarterback for 23 sacks.

Miller elevated his game by proving he was one of the best shutdown corners in Mississippi. He recorded nine interceptions, and he took one back for a touchdown. Miller also showed he is not afraid to step up in support of the run game. He recorded 62 total tackles with 57 of those tackles being solo tackles. He also forced one fumble.

Harper also proved himself as one of the top shutdown defensive backs in 2024 in Mississippi. He picked off the quarterback eight times, and he took two of them back for a touchdown. Harper also proved to be physical as he recorded 21 solo tackles and 40 total tackles.

Like Willis, Pace also showed exceptional pass rushing ability this season. He managed to get to the quarterback 16 times, and he had 11 quarterback hurries on top of that. His tackling stats were also otherworldly. Pace recorded 75 solo tackles, 125 total tackles and 34 tackles for a loss this season.

Gilmore wrecked havoc from the safety position all season. He recorded 55 total tackles and 52 of those were solo tackles. He also recorded 23 tackles for a loss. Gilmore recovered two fumbles, and he managed to get 14 sacks to cap a spectacular season.

Wilson proved to be a dynamic playmaker no matter where he played on the defensive line. He recorded 111 total tackles, 47 solo tackles and 15 sacks on the year. When he did not record a sack, he did manage to disrupt the opposing quarterback by forcing 38 hurries on the season. Lastly, he recovered one fumble, forced two fumbles and blocked one kick.

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Mississippi

IRS extends tax deadline for Mississippi after winter storm

Published

2 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Press Room

IRS extends tax deadline for Mississippi after winter storm

Need extra time to file your taxes this year? The Internal Revenue Service is moving the deadline for all Mississippi residents to file.

The decision follows a disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the severe winter ice storm that knocked out power to thousands in January. As of late February, the storm was estimated to have caused about $107 million in damages.

Rodney Foushee handles IRS media relations for North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. He said the relief applies to all 82 Mississippi counties.

The new June 8, 2026 deadline includes filing individual and business tax returns and making tax payments.

It also covers all other IRS deadlines that fall between Jan. 23, when the winter storm started, and June 8. That includes “affected quarterly payroll and certain excise tax returns normally due on Feb. 2, 2026, and April 30, 2026.”

Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Jan. 23 and before Feb. 9 will be abated if the tax deposits were made by Feb. 9, the IRS wrote.

Mississippi state tax deadline stays the same

This change does not affect the state of Mississippi filing date.

The deadline to file and pay state taxes is April 15, 2026.

How do I get my federal tax return fast?

If you file electronically and choose to receive your refund by direct deposit, your refund will probably be issued within 21 days, the IRS says.

If you mail a paper return, the wait could be six weeks or longer. About 11 million Americans still file on paper, and the IRS is outsourcing the handling of those returns as part of its “Zero Paper Initiative.”

Can I get my tax refund as a paper check?

No. The IRS has phased out paper checks this year. (The IRS has said limited exceptions will be available.)

Plan to get it via direct deposit. People without bank accounts can use prepaid debit cards or digital wallets.

How do I track my 2026 income tax refund?

You can track the status of your refund check online at Where’s My Refund?

Some banks or financial institutions can take extra time to process checks. Weekends or holidays could delay processing, and the IRS says to check with your bank if you think it’s been processed but don’t see the funds in your account.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

14-year-old girl arrested for shooting 8-year-old in Mississippi

Published

14 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

14-year-old girl arrested for shooting 8-year-old in Mississippi

WARREN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Deputies in Warren County, Mississippi, arrested a 14-year-old girl for allegedly shooting an 8-year-old.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said the shooting happened on Abraham Drive just before 4:00 p.m. on April 13, 2026.

According to the sheriff, the female victim was transported to a Jackson hospital for treatment. He said deputies recovered a handgun at the scene.

There’s no motive for the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing.

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Mississippi

A potential opportunity to lower car tag costs across Mississippi

Published

1 day ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

A potential opportunity to lower car tag costs across Mississippi

A follow-up on high car tag costs in Mississippi shows major differences in what drivers pay depending on where they live, even across the street, according to new data from the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office.The data highlights large price gaps across the metro area, with some residents paying hundreds of dollars more based solely on location and county lines.The State Auditor’s Office data shows that at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, a car tag costs $571.64. At Trails at Northpointe Apartments directly across the street, the same tag rises to $1,490.48.The highest cost in the region is $1,676.30 at Yazoo Estates, while the lowest is $343.30 in the Oakfield neighborhood.Resident Keith Bush said he has experienced the difference firsthand.“When I lived in Hinds County, my car tag started at $1,500,” Bush said. Now living at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, Bush said his cost is significantly lower.Bush said, “I don’t want to tell you the exact price, but it is under $200.”State Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr. of District 71 says the high costs in Hinds County are an ongoing issue tied to local financial obligations, including school infrastructure.Crudup said, “We all know that we got the highest tags. I think even in Hans County, and uh, you know, a lot of that is due to, I guess, our, our, our population in, in our school building.”He added that part of the cost comes from maintaining unused school buildings in the Jackson Public Schools system.Crudup said, “You know, some of the schools are closed. The schools are still on their books right now, because they’re still responsible for the buildings and the maintenance and all that type of thing. I think as they come off their books. I think there’s a chance then that we’ll be able to reduce the price of the car tags.”Bush said, “That would be great. I think a lot of people will have some ideas of where they want to move.”Lawmakers are considering House Bill 1395, which has already passed both chambers. The bill would speed up the sale of unused school buildings, which supporters say could reduce costs, limit delays, and open the door for redevelopment.In a statement, Jackson Public Schools said, “Jackson Public Schools is committed to the strategic repurposing of surplus properties to strengthen communities and improve the district’s financial position, guided by thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on long-term impact for our scholars and families.We are also grateful to the Mississippi Legislature, and especially the Hinds County Delegation, for their advocacy and support of this legislative change, which provides school districts with greater flexibility to better serve our scholars and community.”Officials said if the bill is signed into law, it could help reduce long-term costs. For now, the data shows that where you live still plays a major role in how much you pay for a car tag.

The data highlights large price gaps across the metro area, with some residents paying hundreds of dollars more based solely on location and county lines.

The State Auditor’s Office data shows that at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, a car tag costs $571.64. At Trails at Northpointe Apartments directly across the street, the same tag rises to $1,490.48.

The highest cost in the region is $1,676.30 at Yazoo Estates, while the lowest is $343.30 in the Oakfield neighborhood.

Resident Keith Bush said he has experienced the difference firsthand.

“When I lived in Hinds County, my car tag started at $1,500,” Bush said.

Now living at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, Bush said his cost is significantly lower.

Bush said, “I don’t want to tell you the exact price, but it is under $200.”

State Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr. of District 71 says the high costs in Hinds County are an ongoing issue tied to local financial obligations, including school infrastructure.

Crudup said, “We all know that we got the highest tags. I think even in Hans County, and uh, you know, a lot of that is due to, I guess, our, our, our population in, in our school building.”

He added that part of the cost comes from maintaining unused school buildings in the Jackson Public Schools system.

Crudup said, “You know, some of the schools are closed. The schools are still on their books right now, because they’re still responsible for the buildings and the maintenance and all that type of thing. I think as they come off their books. I think there’s a chance then that we’ll be able to reduce the price of the car tags.”

Bush said, “That would be great. I think a lot of people will have some ideas of where they want to move.”

Lawmakers are considering House Bill 1395, which has already passed both chambers. The bill would speed up the sale of unused school buildings, which supporters say could reduce costs, limit delays, and open the door for redevelopment.

In a statement, Jackson Public Schools said, “Jackson Public Schools is committed to the strategic repurposing of surplus properties to strengthen communities and improve the district’s financial position, guided by thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on long-term impact for our scholars and families.

We are also grateful to the Mississippi Legislature, and especially the Hinds County Delegation, for their advocacy and support of this legislative change, which provides school districts with greater flexibility to better serve our scholars and community.”

Officials said if the bill is signed into law, it could help reduce long-term costs. For now, the data shows that where you live still plays a major role in how much you pay for a car tag.

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