COLUMBUS — The Vicksburg Gators took their longest road trip in nearly two years and made it look as easy as a leisurely Sunday drive down the Natchez Trace.

Ronnie Alexander threw three touchdown passes, and the Gators led from the second quarter on as they beat Columbus 36-24 on Friday to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Malik Montgomery ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns, and DeCorey Knight Jr. had 200 total yards for the Gators. Knight caught six passes for 102 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for 98 yards on 10 carries.

Collin Johnson and Tyler Henderson each caught a touchdown pass as well, while Michael Johnson had three interceptions on defense.

“Our offense was the MVP tonight. It was probably the first time in a while that they played like they can play,” Vicksburg coach Christopher Lacey said. “Malik Montgomery showed up in a major way. He played a game he hadn’t played in a while. And I have to give a shout out to Shaun Archer. He was a load on the offensive line. He played a tremendous game.”

Vicksburg (6-3, 2-2 MHSAA Region 2-6A) had its highest point total in four region games, as well as its first stress-free fourth quarter. Its first three region games were decided by a total of four points.

Montgomery’s 2-yard TD run and a two-point conversion pass from Alexander to Henderson put the Gators ahead 14-8 with 4:24 left in the second quarter and they never trailed again.

Henderson caught a 31-yard TD pass with 51 seconds left in the first half to make it 22-8. After Columbus scored midway through the third quarter, Alexander’s 18-yard TD to Johnson on fourth-and-14 restored the Gators’ two-score lead.

Montgomery added another rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to make it 36-16.

“We left some points on the board. They had good energy tonight,” Lacey said.

The win set the Gators up for a showdown on Nov. 2 — a Thursday night — with former head coach Todd McDaniel and the Ridgeland Titans (3-6, 1-3). The winner will earn a playoff berth, and Vicksburg would secure the No. 3 seed from Region 2-6A with a victory.

Columbus (1-9, 0-4) was eliminated from playoff contention with Friday’s loss.
Although the season has been a bit uneven for the Gators — they lost their first two region games — Lacey said he likes their potential if they can get into the playoffs.

“We know we’re not your typical 3 or 4 seed, so we’re going to keep that mindset,” he said. “Nobody’s won a state championship yet, so that’s our goal.”

UP NEXT:
• Ridgeland (3-6, 1-3 MHSAA Region 2-6A) at Vicksburg (6-3, 2-2)
• Thursday, Nov. 2
• Radio: 107.7 FM