SOUTH MISS 6 SPORTS

July 23, 2026

Prep Football: Gators defensive end Ward takes his place on the “Sweet 16 in the southern 6” list

Gautier defensive end Malik Ward is one of the top returning performers in the “Southern Six.”

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.

Next up on the list a top defender in the Class 6A ranks:

Gautier defensive end Malik Ward (24) pursues Pascagoula tailback Amarie Jackson in Region 4-6A action last season. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)

Malik Ward

Gautier | 6-5, 225 | Senior

The elusive defensive end is looking to shake things up in the offensive backfield for opposing offenses this coming season for his Gators.

A Tulane commit, the rangy and lengthy Ward produced 45 tackles, 11 solo tackles and three tackles for loss last season and he also added a pair of pass deflections.

He also had overtures from Jacksonville state, South Alabama, and Southern Miss before casting his lot with the Green Wave.

Gautier defensive end Malik Ward recently committed to the Tulane Green Wave.

“After a great official visit at @GreenWaveFB I am blessed to announce that I am commited to tulane.” Ward posted on social media recently.

Ward was a highlight for Gautier last season in a down year for the Gators. He is looking to lead the Gators to their first ever Class 6A South State playoff berth this season, as the Gators battle perennial state power Picayune, arch-rival Pascagoula and Pearl River Central, among others, for bot only a postseason spot but a Region 4-6A title as well.

Gautier opens its season at home in Vaughan-Wallace Stadium, “The Swamp”, against visiting George County on Fri., Aug. 28th.

The Gators also face Jackson County rival Moss Point in the pre-region part of their schedule, before opening league play on the road on Fri., Oct. 9th against Long Beach.