By Robert Wilson
There is a long line of outstanding athletes in the Willis family at Velma Jackson and the latest one is Trevon, who is Mr. Everything for the Falcons football team this year.
The 6-foot, 190-pound junior does it all at Velma Jackson, playing quarterback, running back, wide receiver, safety, and returns kickoffs and punts.
Willis had another great game Friday when he produced 203 all-purpose yards (168 rushing yards, 34 receiving yards and 11 punt return yards) and scored two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions and had 4 tackles and 1 pass breakup to lead Velma Jackson to a 24-20 victory over previously undefeated Eupora Friday night in a MHSAA Class 2A Region 4 opener for both teams at Velma Jackson in Camden in Northeast Madison County.
For his outstanding performance, Willis has been named the Junction Deli/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Football Player of the Week.
Willis had 168 rushing yards on 20 carries, including a 28-yard TD in the second quarter, and caught his only pass for a 34-yard TD in the third quarter and returned one punt for 11 yards Friday night against Eupora, which jumped out to a 14-0 lead before Velma Jackson scored 24 straight points.
“Trevon’s performance Friday against Eupora was nothing shy of what he has done all year for our team,” Velma Jackson coach Bernard Euell said. “He’s an athlete that excels in all phases of the game for us. Offense, defense, special teams. He’s one of our fiercest leaders on and off the field.”
Willis has 914 rushing yards, second in Mississippi among Class 2A teams and 11th overall this season, according to MaxPreps. He also has 14 TDs, second in Mississippi along Class 2A teams and 18th overall, for 3-3 Velma Jackson this season.
Willis had 1,016 yards and 16 TDs last season as a sophomore and helped Velma Jackson to an 11-2 record and the MHSAAA Class 2A state semifinals.
Willis is the son of Shantay Willis. She went to Velma Jackson and Holmes Community College. Willis’ oldest brother, Anatavious, played football at Velma Jackson and Southern Miss. His oldest sister, Tyasia, played basketball at Velma Jackson, Pearl River CC, and Bethel College and is now playing professional basketball. His older brother, Tyshun, played football at Velma Jackson and is a freshman linebacker at Mississippi State. Tyshun was a two-time member of the Mississippi Scoreboard All Metro Jackson team and earned Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Football Player of the Week last year. His younger sister, Precious, is a junior at Velma Jackson and plays volleyball, powerlifting and is in the choir. Willis’ grandparents, Irene and James Bacon, have been big influences in his life.
Velma Jackson plays its second region game Friday night at Kemper County, 1-5 overall and 0-1 in regions play, at DeKalb.
Mississippi Scoreboard selects a football player from Hinds, Madison, or Rankin counties each week. Coaches can nominate a player by texting Robert Wilson at 601.506.2276.
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
WEEK ONE: Gage Crapps, East Rankin Academy
WEEK TWO: Knolyn Bryce Archie Bailey, Lanier
WEEK THREE: Caleb Unger, MRA
WEEK FOUR: Samuel Stockett, MRA
WEEK FIVE: Waylan King, Callaway
WEEK SIX: Tripp Smith, Madison Central
