School Spotlight: Harrison Central High School (Gulfport, MS)

Our next school spotlight is another team who will be moving into the newly established region 4 7A division this year. The Harrison Central Red Rebels are out of Gulfport, Mississippi and have some things to look forward to in this upcoming season. The Red Rebels have had some recent success making it as far as the second round of the playoffs in 2020 and making it back to the playoffs in 2021 under former Head Coach Casey Cain. With coach Cain’s departure, came about 30 graduating seniors and a tough task ahead for new Head Coach Tony Myers. This past year was difficult, especially with a handful of older players being lost. Most of the starting team was comprised of freshman and sophomores which is no easy task. Myers states, “We improved a lot over the year, we were in every game until the end, we just need to be able to finish. That is something I think we can do well this next year.”

Myers started out as a long time assistant under legendary coach Nevil Barr at Oak Grove High School. He then moved around going to Newton High and back to Oak Grove before finding his spot at Harrison Central as the Offensive Coordinator for 4 years under Casey Cain. Once Cain retired Myers was assigned the job. He hopes to build off of the bright spots of his first year.

“I knew if we wanted to compete with the coastal powerhouses and the schools up north that we needed a change in discipline. Coach Cain did a great job building that level of discipline and I want to build off of it. I want to create a winning environment where we are building respectable kids. We have a real good group of student athletes. I also have put an emphasis on our strength and conditioning. I want to overpower teams. And finally, I want to build a great staff around me, we are putting people in the right spots all over the coaching staff in order to succeed. “

Offensively the Red Rebels try to run a pro style offense, and really establishing “smash mouth football” along with the spread passing game will give us that look. And on the defensive side of the ball it is somewhat of a bend don’t break group, with a mix of timely blitzes out of certain packages.

Kieron Jones is a Defensive Back and Wide Receiver who will be going into his senior year for the Red Rebels. He has gained college interest and will continue to do so over the season. Jones is 6’1 and is a really aggressive ballhawk type Defensive Back. He has matured immensely on both sides of the ball and will only get better.

Another bright piece is class of 2025 Tyree Barnett, a 5’10 150 LBS Wide Receiver who is super tough and dynamic with the ball. He had over 800 receiving yards last season and is looking for more next season. He is very fast out of the slot and is a special player when the ball is in his hands.

Defensive Back and Wide Receiver Tre’von Deans is another notable class of 2025 player who is looking to make big strides going into his junior season. Tre’von is 6’0 and really frustrates his opposing receivers. He has a great football intelligence, and plays with his natural instincts. He is a well rounded athlete, playing basketball and track when he isn’t lifting or playing football.

Tri Gaughf is the leader of the team. The left handed Quarterback has some great baseball talents along with his skills on the gridiron. Tri is 6’2 210 LBS and can really sling the rock. Coach Myers says, “His physical abilities are great but his best quality is his natural born ability to lead and drive others to win.” Tri should be in store for an impressive senior campaign.