Quitman County Players and Coach Named State All Stars

Quitman High School received statewide recognition last week when seniors Brytyavis Dear and Semaj McKenzie were named All Star players and Coach Josh Pulphus was chosen as one of the South All Star team coaches. The Mississippi Association of Coaches made the selections on December 8, honoring senior standouts for performance, leadership, and all around attitude on and off the field. The selections were announced on December 8 and come as the school year winds down.

The Bernard Blackwell North South All Star Football Game is scheduled for Saturday December 20 in Gulfport with kickoff at 11 30 AM. The event will bring selected seniors from across the state together for a single showcase game, offering returning alumni and local supporters a focal point for community pride. For Quitman County, having two players and a head coach chosen signals recognition of the program at the state level and provides direct exposure for the athletes in front of coaches and scouts who attend these events.

Beyond the immediate honors, the selections carry local implications. All Star games traditionally increase visibility for players pursuing college opportunities, and the presence of a Quitman coach on the South staff can strengthen networking channels between programs. Families and friends planning travel to Gulfport create modest demand for transportation and hospitality services, and the recognition can be leveraged by school boosters and administrators when advocating for program resources, youth participation, and after school opportunities that contribute to student retention and community engagement.

The selection criteria emphasize character as well as on field performance, which reinforces the program focus on leadership and conduct. For a small county where high school sports often serve as a social and economic anchor, such honors contribute to community identity and can inspire younger athletes in feeder programs. Residents who wish to follow the game should note the date and kickoff time on December 20, and community leaders may use this moment to build momentum for local sports development and support for student athletes returning to Quitman County after the holidays.