University of Southern Mississippi interim football coach Scotty Walden is stepping down to become the head coach of Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, according to multiple reports.

Sports write Pete Thamel announced the news Tuesday on Twitter.

Sources: Southern Miss interim coach Scotty Walden will be the next coach at Austin Peay. He will leave immediately and Southern Miss assistant Tim Billings will be the school’s third head coach this season.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 27, 2020

Walden took over the USM Golden Eagles after former head coach Jay Hopson stepped down in early September after losing the season opener to the University of South Alabama.

USM’s assistant head coach Tim Billings is expected to become the next interim head coach of the Golden Eagles who are now 1-4.

Vicksburg Junior High football player Decorey Knight Jr. has been selected as the first Vicksburg Daily News junior high offensive player of the year.

Knight is an eighth grader at VJHS and has been starring on the field for two seasons under head coach Larry Carter Jr.

“Decorey is our go to player when we need a big play,” Carter said.

Knight helped the Gators to a 3-2 season this year and he stood out as one of the best junior high offensive players in Vicksburg. By the end of the season, he had over 500 all-purpose yards and was a huge playmaker for his team.

Knight was also an impact player last year on the Gators undefeated Little Six Championship team. He will be playing high school football next year and is expected to continue being a great athlete for his team.

Karson Lynn and Shawnderrick Qualls Jr. both had great nights Monday for their teams in the YMCA touch football league.

Lynn had great performance last night for the Giants in their 22-8 win over the Bears.

He finished the game with three touchdowns on the night. He caught two interceptions and returned them for touchdowns while on defense.

Lynn is a second grader at South Park Elementary School and has been leading the Giants to a winning season.

Qualls scored the Wildcats’ first touchdown of the night as they beat the Giants 20-0 Monday.

Qualls broke out in the beginning of the game with a 95-yard run that put his team on the scoreboard. Kaleb Sims and Harrison Hendrix also scored for the Wildcats who now have a 5-0 record.

Qualls is a first grader at Sherman Avenue Elementary and has been shining for the Wildcats all season.