From staff reports

A couple of members of Vicksburg High’s top-notch defense are tops in the state.

Linebacker Carlos Williams and defensive back Trey Prentiss were both selected second-team Class 4A All-State by the Mississippi Association of Coaches. The two seniors spearheaded a defensive unit that posted four shutouts and held four other opponents to seven points or less.

VHS allowed an average of just 10.4 points per game — and 4.8 a game if its worst two outings, a 27-6 loss to South Panola and a 40-13 loss to Pearl, are excluded.

Williams, the 2007 Vicksburg Post Defensive Player of the Year, turned in another strong season in 2008. He led the Gators with 140 tackles, and had two sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception. He also blocked four kicks on special teams and scored three touchdowns as a short-yardage back on offense.

Prentiss, meanwhile, had 52 tackles from his cornerback position. He intercepted two passes, had one sack, and also blocked four field goals. He also saw playing time on the offensive side of the ball, rushing for 183 yards and two touchdowns and catching six passes for 159 yards and two more scores.

Several other Vicksburg-area players also received all-state honors. St. Aloysius linebacker Chris Lewis was a first-team selection in Class 1A, and teammate Ryno Martin-Nez was a second-team pick at safety.

South Delta senior linebacker Allen Stubbs was a first-team pick in Class 2A.