Last week’s open date was supposed to be a time for the Vicksburg High Gators to recover from their Red Carpet Bowl defeat to Ocean Springs.

The Gators, though, are still ailing. As many as seven starters may be held out of tonight’s game in Monroe, La., against the Richwood Rams because of the flu. The game will be Richwood’s season opener and it’s the first time the two schools have met in football.

Gators coach Alonzo Stevens left last week’s Richwood jamboree impressed with the Rams, but he’s more concerned about his team’s well-being.

“We had kids starting to get sick on Friday and on into the weekend,” Stevens said. “Both of my starting guards, a starting defensive back and four others got the flu. It’s been a hard week.”

Then there is the matter of the Rams. Richwood finished 9-4 last year and advanced to the third round of the Louisiana Class 3A playoffs. The Rams lost their starting quarterback, Greg Johnson, who was the district MVP after combining for over 2,200 yards passing and rushing.

They return nine starters on defense, including linebackers LeMarcus Alexander, Justin D. Young and Corey Middleton. Stevens also liked Richwood’s  backfield.

“They are faster than Ocean Springs,” Stevens said. “Two of their defensive linemen are Division I quality. The tailback in (Greg) Hudson is no slouch.”

Richwood defeated Sterlington 26-7 in the jamboree but coach Warren Trimble says it will be his defense that be the key for the Rams.

The defensive line will also be a strength with the return of tackles LaCraig Brown and LeMarquez Washington.

“Those kids right there arewhat Richwood is all about,” Trimble said to the Monroe Star. “It’s a special group of guys. They keep us steady, as far as making everything a plus.”

Vicksburg will again use two quarterbacks like they did against Ocean Springs. This time, though, Cameron Cooksey (2-of-6, 60 yards, 1 TD) will get the start and Millan Nasif will come in relief.

“We’re going to stay with both of them through the non-region schedule and then make a decision,” Stevens said.

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Contact Jeff Byrd at jbyrd@vicksburgpost.com