Wildcat Football Looks to Restore the Roar Under Vance

A new chapter in Meridian High School football begins this fall as the Wildcats take the field under first-year Head Coach Tony Vance.

Coach Vance arrives in Meridian with one of the most accomplished résumés in Mississippi high school football. During his 17 seasons as a head coach, he has amassed more than 150 career victories, led his teams to the playoffs 16 times, appeared in four state championship games, and guided Hattiesburg High School to the 2024 Class 6A State Championship game. Throughout his career, Vance has built a reputation for developing winning programs while preparing more than 100 student-athletes to continue their football careers at the collegiate level.

Now, Vance brings that experience and championship mindset to Meridian, where he is focused on restoring one of the state's most tradition-rich football programs.

"I've always believed Meridian is one of the premier football programs in Mississippi," Vance said when he accepted the position. "We're not here to rebuild. We're here to restore the roar."

The challenge ahead is significant. The Wildcats compete in Mississippi's highly competitive Class 7A, where every Friday night features talented opponents and demanding region play. Meridian's 2026 schedule includes road trips to Louisville, Ocean Springs, Neshoba Central, Starkville, Pearl, Oak Grove, and Petal, while home contests against Columbus, Hattiesburg, Northwest Rankin for Homecoming, and Brandon promise exciting football at Ray Stadium.

2026 Meridian High School Football Schedule

• August 21 (Friday): at Louisville, 7 p.m.
• August 27 (Thursday): at Ocean Springs, 7 p.m.
• September 4: at Neshoba Central, 7 p.m.
• September 11: at Starkville, 7 p.m.
• September 18: vs. Columbus (Home), 7 p.m.
• September 25: vs. Hattiesburg (Home), 7 p.m.
• October 2: Open Week
• October 9: at Pearl, 7 p.m.
• October 16: at Oak Grove, 7 p.m.
• October 23: vs. Northwest Rankin (Homecoming), 7 p.m.
• October 30: at Petal, 7 p.m.
• November 5 (Thursday): vs. Brandon (Home), 7 p.m.

“We invite students, families, alumni, and the entire community to stand behind the Wildcats throughout the season,” said Dr. Cheyenne Trussell, MPSD Athletic Director. “Your support can help create one of the best Friday night atmospheres in Mississippi as Coach Vance and his team begin a new era of Wildcat football.”

Pack Ray Stadium for every home game and help Wildcat Nation Restore the Roar!