The Red Carpet Bowl committee will honor outgoing Mississippi High School Activities Association executive director Dr. Ennis Proctor during pre-game ceremonies of the Warren Central-Ocean Springs contest tonight at Memorial Stadium.

Proctor, who has served as the MHSAA’s director for 20 years, has announced his retirement effective next July. For RCB committee chairman Winky Freeman, the game would not have made to its 48th year without the support of Proctor and his office.

“Dr. Proctor has been a great friend to the Red Carpet Bowl,” Freeman said. “He is a big reason why we are still able to play the contest to this day. We felt this is a nice gesture given, that he is retiring from the MHSAA, to honor him.”

Proctor said he is appreciative of the honor.

“It is quite an honor to be asked to toss the coin at the 48th Red Carpet Bowl Classic. This event is a part of the rich tradition of high school football in Mississippi, and it is always a first-class event. I thank all of those who work so hard to provide this visibility for our students and their talent, and I appreciate their including me as a part of the opening ceremony. I’m looking forward to seeing some quality football and to seeing many longtime friends Friday night,” Proctor said.

Freeman said that Proctor continues to support the contest.

“He’s helped work with the other state associations to bring in teams from out of state that we’ve had here in the past. He gave us approval to let our two large schools play on the same field in the same night and made it possible by allowing for us to start earlier than any other game in Mississippi. He’s really worked with us,” Freeman said.