[2/4/03]When playoff time rolls around, the Vicksburg Missy Gators seem invincible.

And the numbers back it up.

Since the Mississippi High School Activities Association began its state girls soccer tournament in 1996, Vicksburg started its ascent to the top of the state soccer world and they’ve stayed there.

Tonight, Vicksburg will shoot for its seventh state championship appearance in eight years when it hosts Clinton (17-5-2) at 6 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

“We played Vicksburg a few weeks ago and they really put it on us,” said Clinton coach Thomas Bobo of the Missy Gators’ 3-1 win to claim the Division 6-5A title and allow VHS to host tonight’s game. “We hope to make a better showing and keep things respectable. I expect another competitive Clinton-Vicksburg game.”

Although most of the series between these two rivals has been competitive, when it comes down to playoff time, the Missy Gators rise to the top.

Since 1996, the first year of the tournament, Vicksburg is 26-1 in playoff games, losing only in the state championship game in 1997 to … Clinton.

Vicksburg has never lost a state semifinal game. In 2000, the Missy Gators missed the playoffs for the first time in the school’s history.

“When I took over at Clinton, the monkey on our backs was Madison Central,” said Bobo, whose team beat Long Beach and Oak Grove to reach today’s semifinal. “Right now, we’re trying to work through Vicksburg and trying to get past them.”

Today’s game will mark the third straight season these two have met for a state championship appearance, with the Missy Gators winning both en route to the last two state championships.

“Our confidence level is good right now,” said Vicksburg coach Kevin Manton, who led his team to a sluggish win over Gulfport in the opening round of the tournament and Biloxi on Saturday.

“I think we have their number, but we have to play.”

The winner of today’s game will meet the winner of the Brandon-Tupelo matchup, also being played today, on Saturday at Clinton. Last season, Vicksburg beat Brandon in overtime for the championship.

Behind high-scoring Brandi Parker, strong-legged Brandi Head and a talented supporting cast, the Missy Gators were one of the favorites to win the championship.

Before the state tournament began, Manton filled out his bracket and with the exception of Madison Central’s upset loss to Tupelo, had every game pegged to perfection.

He didn’t predict any further than the state semifinals, however.

“We can’t be satisfied with what we’ve done,” Manton said. “It’s a big game and a big honor to be able to play for the right to play for a state championship. But you have to win this one first.”