Due to the tragic loss of starting quarterback Tyler Taylor’s mother and avid Indian football supporter Kenlanda Burns, morale was undoubtedly low heading into the contest.
And while the Indians ended up on the wrong side of a 34-12 decision, the passion, heart and never-quit attitude they played with for themselves and for Taylor surely would have made Burns proud.
“We’re letting Tyler take his time and deal with his family,” said YHS head coach Justin Washington. “We’re here for him. Whenever he’s ready to return, we’ll welcome him with open arms.”
The Indians defense scored the game’s first touchdown when Maurice Booker scooped up a fumble forced by Ronald Townsend and Johnny Barber and raced 30 yards to the endzone. The two-point conversion failed, and the Indians led 6-0.
The Gators tied the game at six on their next possession and went ahead 13-6 at the half after a second quarter touchdown.
Vicksburg opened the third quarter with another score, pushing the lead to 21-6, but the Indians answered right back on their ensuing possession with a six-yard touchdown pass from Jaleen Barber to Marquez Taylor to trim the lead to 21-12.
From then on, the Gators scored two more touchdowns down the stretch to seal the win.
Tobias McGee led the Indian rushing attack with 17 carries for 146 yards and Marquez Taylor was the leading receiver with four receptions for 36 yards.
Defensively for the Indians, Johnny Barber had six tackles, Booker had five tackles and the fumble recovery for a TD, and Jaleen Barber had four tackles. Deon Johnson had 3.5 tackles and Terrion Coleman, Isaiah Robinson, and Demond Johnson each had two tackles.
The Indians have been battle tested early in the 2025 season. They played the No. 4 Class 6A team (Ridgeland), the No. 2 Class 5A team (Holmes County), and Vicksburg was the No. 10 Class 5A team. Perhaps their toughest opponent of the season visits this Friday when they host powerhouse Louisville (3-2), the Class 4A No. 2 team.
Said Washington, “This week we’re facing a tough opponent in Louisville, and we know what we have in store. We just have to continue getting better daily.”
