Bill Wallace, who played his high school ball at Picayune, was a multi-talented football star for the Wildcats in 1971 and 1972 under coach Russell. 

He played linebacker as a freshman and center as a sophomore. He was also the punter, averaging 41 yards per kick. As a sophomore, he was a first-team All-American. He was honored by the JuCo Grid Wire as one of the top 11 junior college players in the country.

“My freshman year, I weighed 215-220 pounds,” said Wallace. “When I came back my sophomore year, I was closer to 240 pounds and coach Russell knew I had played offensive line in high school, so they needed me to play (center). I liked playing defense better, but it was not always my choice.”

During his two years at PRCC, the Wildcats were 18-2. 

“From an academic standpoint, I took 20 hours each semester I was at Pearl River,” said Wallace. “I went to class six hours every day, but it was a lot like high school. I very much enjoyed my time there.” 

Wallace signed with Virginia Tech and played center for the Hokies before graduating.