For the first time in six weeks, Warren Central will play a game that doesn’t directly affect whether it’ll reach the playoffs or not.

It hardly means the Vikings are taking their foot off the gas.

Warren Central has already clinched a playoff berth. Friday’s game against Jim Hill at Newell Field in Jackson is for third place in Region 2-6A and a trip to Olive Branch for the first round of the Class 6A playoffs next week.

For Warren Central (5-5, 4-2 Region 2-6A), it’s also about carrying some momentum into its first postseason appearance in three years and ensuring the team won’t finish with a losing record.

“I feel like if we win this game, it’ll roll over into the playoffs like a snowball,” sophomore receiver Marcus Ragan said. “This game is really important for momentum.”

Jim Hill (6-4, 4-2) is no easy stop on the road to Olive Branch, however, and the Tigers have plenty to play for themselves.

With a win Friday, Jim Hill will finish second in the region and host Southaven in a first-round playoff game. Jim Hill can also have its season end with a loss, combined with a Northwest Rankin victory over Murrah.

Zackary Tidwell has rushed for 869 yards and four touchdowns to lead an experienced Tigers squad. Tidwell, a junior, had 1,143 yards and 10 TDs last season, when Jim Hill earned one of its three wins by beating WC 21-16 in the season finale.

Junior Marjarvis McGee, who had 1,151 yards and six TDs last season, is also back.

“On offense, they’ve got 10 starters coming back from last year, including two 1,000-yard rushers,” WC coach Josh Morgan said. “With that and what they’re doing, running the ball and they’re big up front, they haven’t been beating themselves.”

Northwest Rankin owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Jim Hill, and would sneak into the playoffs with a win and Jim Hill loss. Warren Central, however, beat Northwest Rankin and has that tiebreaker in its favor. No matter what else happens, WC will play Olive Branch if it beats Jim Hill, or South Panola if it loses.

Having that security

blanket is some comfort, Morgan said, but he quickly added that it’s important not to lose sight of larger goals.

“It’s good to know. At the same time, we’re still playing for seeds, we want to get that sixth win and still have a lot in front of us,” Morgan said. “It’s a very big accomplishment to make the playoffs. I’m so excited for the seniors. They’ve been through a lot. It really is a big deal. I really feel good about our team and our chances with whoever we draw. The players and the coaching staff aren’t content with just making the playoffs.