[09/17/02]Wayne County strengthened its hold on No. 1 in The Mississippi Associated Press Top 20 released Monday, but Vicksburg and Warren Central are on the climb again.

The Gators, who entered the season as the top-ranked team in the state, fell to No. 7 after their opening loss to Wayne County.

Vicksburg stayed there for two weeks before climbing to No. 6 in this week’s poll. Back-to-back blowout wins and a shuffle among the top teams led to Vicksburg’s climb.

The Gators will travel to Magnolia and play previously ranked South Pike, a team coming off its first loss of the season on Friday night.

Warren Central entered the poll last week at No. 12, but on the strength of a dominating 24-7 win over South Pike, the Vikings moved to No. 9.

Warren Central will be at Natchez on Friday night before starting its run through Region 2-5A, which features No. 6 Vicksburg and No. 12 Clinton.

Eupora remained the clear No. 1 in the Little 10.

Last week, Wayne County held a two-point lead over Brandon. But this week, with Jackson Provine and Clarksdale losing, Wayne County became the overwhelming choice of voters.

Wayne County, which beat Laurel 42-17 on Friday, received 11 first-place votes, nearly doubling last week’s total, and 157 points.

No. 2 Brandon got two first-place votes and 148 points. The Bulldogs beat Pearl 49-15 on Friday.

No. 3 South Panola jumped two spots and received four first-place votes, thanks to a 20-15 victory over Clarksdale, which fell a spot to No. 5.

Defending state champion Starkville continued its steady climb up the polls. The Yellowjackets moved up two places to No. 4.

Provine’s 20-12 loss to Clinton dropped it five places to No. 8. No. 6 Vicksburg and No. 7 Collins each moved up a spot. No. 9 Warren Central and No. 10 Tupelo round out the top 10.

No. 16 Noxubee County and No. 17 South Pike dropped out of the top 10 after losses.

Unbeaten Eupora received 12 of a possible 17 first-place votes and 79 points in the Little 10. No. 2 Baldwyn received two first-place votes and 49 points. No. 3 Weir got a first-place vote and 39 points.

The Associated Press prep football poll is voted on by print and broadcast media statewide.

TOP 10

1. Wayne County (11) 3-0

2. Brandon (2) 3-0

3. South Panola (4) 3-0

4. Starkville 3-0

5. Clarksdale 2-1

6. Vicksburg 2-1

7. Collins 3-0

8. Provine 2-1

9. Warren Central 3-0

10. Tupelo 3-0