The Warren Central Vikings know the challenge and, to a man, are ready to tackle it.

The Vikings will kickoff the annual Red Carpet Bowl tonight at 7 against one of the toughest opponents the team has ever faced. But players said South Panola, with its record win streak and national ranking, are not invincible.

“We get an opportunity to play one of the best teams ever. It means a lot to us. We’ve been practicing real hard,” WC senior defensive lineman R.W. Comans said.

Viking receiver Ben Wau Caples said he studied the Tigers last spring when they played Clinton and Provine in a spring jamboree.

“They looked big, strong and fast when I watched them play Provine and Clinton,” Caples said.

WC lineman Ben Watkins added, “We know they are going to be a good team. They’

Turnovers could play a factor as rain is possible.

“They are big, fast and strong, but they can be beat,” WC tackle John Wamble said. “We have got to stay on our blocks and not turn the ball over. But yeah, this is great way to start a season.”

The key for WC will be to make South Panola work for its scores and not allow it to get cheap points off turnovers.

“South Panola is a big and very fast defensive unit and they like to pressure your offense and cause it to make mistakes. They gap everything up and then bring pressure,” WC coach Curtis Brewer said.

Brewer and his staff watched last Friday”

“They know what they have in Barksdale. He may be the best back in the state. The quarterback is a good one. He’

Barksdale finished 2006 with 1,042 yards and nine touchdowns and this year will be the team’

“We have a different style of quarterback than what South Panola has had in the past,” new Tiger coach Lance Pogue told the Clarion-Ledger during preseason. Pogue will make his debut tonight, replacing Ricky Woods, who left to take a job in Bainbridge, Ga., after compiling an outstanding 74-1 record at South Panola in five seasons.

The Tigers are still strong on the offensive line led by returning starters Cameron Wagner, Quin Sanford and Jonathan Wilson.

The Vikings will use nearly 45 players in trying to keep fresh bodies in the game.

“We’

The team”

The Vikings will have two quarterbacks split time in Larry Davis and Keaton Sanders. Quinton Truly is the team’

The offensive line, which will have to deal with the Tigers’