There is no quarterback controversy at Vicksburg High.

If injured starter Stanton Price is physically able to play on Friday – and, from all indications, he will be – then he will get the start for the Gators against archrival Warren Central.

The sophomore twisted his ankle in the first half of last week’s 34-0 win over Murrah. He did not play in the second half, and VHS coaches initially feared Price’s ankle may have sustained major damage. His condition had improved dramatically by Saturday, however, and by Monday afternoon it looked like he will be ready to play against the Vikings.

Price skipped a light walk-through practice on Monday to attend a physical therapy session, but was expected to return to the practice field today.

&#8220He’s got a little sprain. We’re going to take it slow. The swelling has gone down. It was just a little twist. Nothing was broken,” VHS coach Alonzo Stevens said. &#8220We’re betting on Stanton, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Freshman backup Les Lemons saw his first varsity action in the second half and threw a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. He also hit on an 18-yard pass to Tyler Wells for a first down for his only other completion.

Lemons is actually the third-string quarterback. Second-stringer Vernon Wolfe also plays wide receiver, and is second on the team in receptions. Wolfe also was injured in the Murrah win and was held out for the entire second half.

Stevens said he has faith in Lemons if Price can’t go or aggravates the ankle injury.

&#8220Les is capable,” Stevens said. &#8220The good thing about Les is, all summer he worked with us in the program and in the passing league. He’s comfortable with the offense.”

Price has thrown for nearly 900 yards this season, with three touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Despite the high number of turnovers, Stevens said the experience Price has gained so far this season makes him the obvious choice to start the Gators’ most important game of the year. Until his injury, Price had played every snap under center for VHS.

If Vicksburg can win at Warren Central, or Provine loses to Clinton, the Gators will earn a trip to the Class 5A playoffs and a date with juggernaut South Panola in the first round.

No matter who is under center, the task of beating WC figures to be a tough one for the Gators. Vicksburg has only beaten Warren Central twice in 24 meetings, and has never beaten WC at Viking Stadium, the site of this year’s game.

Add in a stout WC defense that has allowed just 11.7 points per game this season – and a total of 39 in its last six games – and it’s easy to see that points will be at a premium.

&#8220It’s going to be tough,” Stevens said. &#8220They’ve got a good defense. We’ve got to do some things that will protect (Price) a little bit. It’s as aggressive a defense as we’re going to face this year.”