School Spotlight: Biloxi High School (Biloxi, MS)

Biloxi High School is located in Biloxi Mississippi along the Gulf Coast. The Indians are in the 6A class and have been a fierce opponent in the Region 4 area reaching the playoffs in the 3 of the last 5 seasons. Despite a consistent playoff push from the Biloxi Indians, their last playoff win came during the 2011 season. Although playoff wins have been scarce in the recent years things seem to be on the up and up at Biloxi High. Coach Katlan French has come into his own over these past 5 years and explains that the future is bright for these young players.

The Indians are head by Coach Katlan French who grew up as a high school football coaches son. He moved around a lot following his father Jack French who was a legendary high school football coach in the state of Alabama and Mississippi. Coach French went on to play college ball at Delta State, before moving into an assistant coaching position at Eastern New Mexico University. French then moved into coaching High School football at multiple high schools throughout Mississippi before taking on the Defensive Coordinator position at Biloxi in 2015. After 3 seasons he was promoted to the Head Coach position and has remained in that position these past 5 years.

Coach French claims that the Indians recent success is a great building block for years to come. Biloxi is back and now a relevant and feared opponent. They believe any game they are in they have a chance to win. They are doing this by a big focus on stopping the run, being physical and rallying to the ball. On the offensive side of the ball they preach taking care of the football. Last year they were very successful with that only giving up 3 turnovers up until week 10.

Coach French was asked what his coaching philosophy is?

“Don’t be afraid to change. The High School football scene is constantly changing and so are the teams that we field. Sometimes we have a bunch of big guys up front and we want to win the game in the trenches, where as this year we have a bunch of talented skill position players and we want to take advantage of that.”

French explains that it is gratifying to watch these players develop. Especially the ones who clearly put in the time and effort to work themselves on to the field. “Certain players are doubted for whatever reason and seeing them prove the doubters wrong is always great to see.”

One example of that would be Class of 2024 Quarterback Zach Marlin. Marlin stepped in to the starting role last season and did a wonderful job protecting the football. He stands at 6 ft tall and generated 17 touchdowns last season. He was a crucial piece in the Indians success last season and looks to build off of that going into his senior year.

Another player to look out for is safety Bryce Hooker. Hooker is also Class of 2024 he is 5’10 and 175 lbs. French described Hooker as the captain of the defense and a coach on the field. He is a very versatile and physical player who isn’t afraid to come down into the box and make a hit.

Next is Dayshawn Mcgee a 6’3 175 lbs ATH who has been on varsity since his freshman year. He will line up out wide on offense and defensively has played cornerback and outside linebacker. He can play both man and zone. He excels in zone because of his length and how he fills so much area.

Jayce Cummings is another player to keep an eye out for. He has made lots of noise his first two years on varsity compiling 150+ tackles so far at the middle linebacker position. Coach French said he is an “old school” player who they have trouble slowing down at times. He wants to go go go, something you look for in a linebacker. He is a leader on the field and will do anything to help his team, he even lines up in the defense end position in certain defensive sets.