J.W. Rawls was an outstanding running back for the Wildcats on the 1972 and 1973 teams under coach John Russell.

Rawls, who played his high school ball at Hancock North Central, currently ranks No. 4 on the school’s all-time rushing list with 1,400 yards. He was a two-time all-state player and a first-team All-American after his sophomore season when the Wildcats finished 9-1-1 and lost the state championship game to Mississippi Delta.

In that title game alone, Rawls rushed for 151 yards.

During his two years as a player at PRCC, the Wildcats were 18-2-1. He went on to sign with Delta State University and played one season. A retired electrician, Rawls currently lives in Hattiesburg.

“I had no idea my career there would warrant getting inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame,” said Rawls. “This is a great honor. I enjoyed my time there. We had some good coaches and some good teams.”