Warren Central didn’t have much time to celebrate last week’s confidence-enhancing 23-20 overtime win over Callaway.

The arrival of Tropical Storm Isaac forced the Vikings to a two-day practice schedule in preparation for what might be their toughest test: Hattiesburg. Even so, WC coach Josh Morgan feels that the big win over Callaway in a driving rain will go a long way for his team.

“I think it’s good to win a close game and make plays down the stretch that determine the outcome of the game,” as far as attitudes and confidence go, it was a big win for us against a very good team.”

The undefeated Tigers (2-0) visit Viking Stadium Saturday with a team that has Class 6A title aspirations and a lot of Division I-A prospects. The Tigers blasted Region 2-6A foe Murrah in the opener, 51-22, and blanked Laurel 38-0 in the annual game for the Little Brown Jug, the longest running high school football rivalry in the state.

“We’ve got a very tough non-district schedule and Hattiesburg is rolling right now,” Morgan said. “They’ve got a very good football team and they’re very explosive on offense. Their defense is playing really well right now and we have the opportunity to beat a very good football team.”

The offense starts with quarterback Jamal Hatten, who might be the best signal caller the Vikings (1-1) see this season. He has completed 79 percent of his passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns, but he’s also a running threat as well, leading the team with 147 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Marquise Walker (126 yards, three TDs) is explosive as well, filling in for injured starter Lee Jackson. Multi-position athlete Tony Bridges (two rushing scores) will figure in the backfield, return kicks and play on the outside as well.

Hatten’s top targets, wide receivers Brandon Acker (11 catches, 178 yards, two scores) and DeAnthony

Williams (5 catches, 56 yards), are dangerous in the open field. Acker presents a matchup issue with his 6-foot-3 frame and leaping ability.

“We’re going to have to match strength on strength and our guys are going to have to make plays,” Morgan said. “I’m looking forward to the matchup.”

Defensively, the Tigers are strong, led by a speedy, yet strong front seven and a secondary that has plucked five interceptions. Morgan feels that his offense, which was able to get some explosive plays vs. Callaway despite rainy conditions last week, needs more of the same Saturday.

“We did it at crucial times last week,” Morgan said of the Vikings’ big plays. “It’s good to see us making plays. It beats the heck out of having to work your tail off on a long, sustained drive when you can just pop it and, within the space of one play, change the field position and the momentum of a game. They’re crucial.”