Robert "Arab" Morris—1951-53 Wildcat Football

Robert Morris’ name is still prominently displayed in the Wildcat Football Record Book, even though he played football from 1951-53 at Pearl River. Under the category of Longest Punt Returns, Morris has three of the 10 longest in history, including the longest - 91 yards against Gulf Coast in 1951.

“That was a freak play,” said Morris. “It was raining and wet that day. I ran to the right, then I ran to the left - and the whole Perk team slipped down. All I had to do was walk into the end zone.”

In 1951, Morris also had an 85-yard return against East Mississippi. In 1952, he 
had a 72-yard return against Co-Lin.

Morris was a three-sport star at Pearl River, but his best was football. And like 
most players from his era, the credit goes to Coach Dobie Holden. “Greatest coach I ever played with,” said Morris. “When he came to Pearl River in 1948, it was the greatest thing that ever happened to that school.

“He was the type guy who did things that nobody else did in those times. He was an extraordinary person and a good motivator. He was good with all the kids.”
Morris was a 160-pound quarterback and safety for the Wildcats. In 1952, he 
guided the team to a 9-1 record and a share of the state championship. As a quarterback, he completed 35 of 73 passes for more than 500 yards and eight touchdowns. As a safety, he intercepted seven passes. He was named first team all-state.

Morris went to Mississippi State for a semester before getting drafted into the U.S. Army. He then went to McNeese State, where he played football and baseball, and made the President’s Roll three times. While at McNeese, Morris was an All-Gulf South Conference quarterback pick his senior season.

Following his playing days, he coached football in Louisiana from 1958 to 1976 at Lake Charles High, Lafayette High and Comeaux High, before getting into administration his final 10 years at Comeaux High. He retired in 1986.