Capitalizing on opportunities is the lesson Vicksburg High coach Christopher Lacey said he’ll be preaching to his team after the Gators found the red zone six times — and the end zone none — Friday in a 20-6 Red Carpet Bowl loss to Holmes County Central.

The Gators moved the ball on the ground with ease for much of the game and the defense made life hard for the Jaguars for four quarters, keeping the score within seven points until the final minutes of the contest.

“We are a run team,” Lacey said. “And we’re going to play tough defense. We believe in that.”

The Jaguars had a fast start with two first-quarter scores, taking a 13-0 lead.

Gators running back DeCorey Knight broke free for a 20-yard touchdown run that was called back for holding. A defensive pass interference call on the next play kept the Gators within striking distance, but they had to settle for the first of two field goals by Abel Gonzalez.

The Gators’ defense recorded the first of three takeaways late in the second quarter, when Roshawn Carter scooped up a fumble. The offense reached the red zone on the legs of Knight and fellow senior running back Cedrick Blackmore, but again had to settle for three points from Gonzalez.

Deztin Minor recorded an interception with 38 seconds left before halftime, but the Gators trailed 13-6.
The one-two punch of Knight and Blackmore moved the ball effectively between the 20-yard lines in the third quarter and the Gators’ defense halted the Jaguars’ momentum with a second fumble recovery.

VHS quarterback Jamikal Maxey came alive through the air, hitting Jayden Woods over the middle for a drive-extending first down. The offense stalled again early in the fourth quarter, however, and Gonzalez missed a field goal attempt.

Late in the game, a muffed punt deep in VHS territory set up a 15-yard TD pass for Holmes that extended its lead to 20-6.

“We’re always going to play good defense in Vicksburg,” Lacey said. “And we’re a run-oriented team. I believe in what we’re doing. When you get inside the redzone six times on the number two team in 5A, we’re doing well. We just got to capitalize when we get down there.”

Lacey said he’s confident Friday’s loss is something his team will learn from before facing Forest Hill next week on the road.

“I saw we’re a really good football team,” Lacey said. “I’m motivated to get to practice and fix our mistakes. We went up and down the field on this team tonight. We just got to capitalize.”