Any game between Vicksburg and Warren Central is always intense. Tonight’s matchup figures to be off the charts.

Not only is it for the Division 6-5A Tournament championship, but for the first time since 1998 the teams will play a night game in Warren County.

The two regular season games between the teams were moved to Saturday afternoon because of rowdy crowds and vandalism.

The 7:30 p.m. start for tonight’s game, as well as the stakes, should guarantee a pressure-packed atmosphere at Vicksburg High. The winner will host a South State satellite game against Picayune or Hattiesburg on Tuesday, while the loser must travel.

“We haven’t played at night in a while. It’s going to be hot and thick in there,” WC coach Jesse Johnson said. “We’re looking for a standing room only crowd because everybody’s off work and everybody wants to be there. It affects the humidity in the gym. They get wet spots on the court.”

Vicksburg coach Dellie C. Robinson downplayed the physical advantages, noting that the Gators also have to deal with any moisture on the court. He didn’t deny that playing at home did give VHS an edge, though.

All season long, Robinson pointed to homecourt advantage as the saving grace of a mediocre year. Vicksburg went 14-16 in the regular season, then blew out top seed Natchez 74-53 in the first round of the division tournament on Tuesday.

“They bought into that and played the best they’ve played all year long. Hopefully they can play the same type of game (Friday),” said Robinson, whose team beat WC (17-11) in two of three meetings this season. “We hope we have more fans than Warren Central, but their girls are playing too. It’s definitely going to be exciting.”

The Lady Vikes girls will start Championship Friday by playing Natchez at 6 p.m.. The winner will host a South State satellite game against either Hancock or Picayune on Tuesday.

The Lady Vikes (21-7) beat Vicksburg 65-49 in the first round on Tuesday.

“We went through a little lull right there after the Red Carpet, but we’re back playing like we’re supposed to be playing,” WC coach Donny Fuller said.