By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

SouthMiss6 Sports is rolling out its annual roster of the top standout prep football players in our coverage area. The “Sweet 16 in the Southern Six” list was compiled by coaches and sports writers who have been following the action on the gridiron in South Mississippi for the past three decades.

Several factors are considered in selecting he prestigious list, but just a small part of that is the number of “stars” a player carries with his name. This list is compiled of what we feel is the TOP returning players in the “Southern Six” from last season.

A solid handful of effective players on the defensive side of the ball for various teams across the “Southern Six” this season have earned “honorable mention”status on the list.

Up front, Stone defensive lineman Tariq Noel returns after a solid junior season last year. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder recorded 50 total tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, and had six sacks from the outside last year.

Also in the trenches, Javon Anderson of Gulfport made 49 tackles total tackles including 15 tackles for loss last season with two sacks and he had eight pass deflections and a forced fumble.

On the next level, Gautier Gabe Millender returns for his senior season after leading the Gators to their first-ever appearance in the state championship last season. He made 109 tackles, had five tackles for loss with three sacks and recovered four fumbles as a junior.

Ocean Springs linebacker Jacolby Bailey finished with 83 solo stops last season as a sophomore with 115 total tackles, including 12 tackles for a loss. He also finished with one interception and five pass deflections while forcing three fumbles and recovering two fumbles.

In the secondary, another Greyhound, cornerback Eric Johnson, collected 14 pass breakups and he had two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

In Long Beach, defensive back Rashad Foxworth collected 53 Tackles, picked off a pair of interceptions and had five pass breakups. He also recovered two onsides kick offs and recorded four tackles for loss.5

And, West Harrison corner back Tre Williams recently committed to Navy.