In a game that had several wild swings, Forest Hill took the last one and floored Vicksburg High.

Jamarcus Byrd broke loose for a 63-yard touchdown run with about 2 1/2 minutes left, and Forest Hill beat Vicksburg 28-23 Friday night in Jackson.

Byrd’s touchdown provided the fourth and final lead change in the second half.

“The preparation throughout the week was not what a championship team is supposed to prepare like. Kudos to Forest Hill because they prepared like champions. They were very prepared for the game,” Vicksburg coach Christopher Lacey said. “The kids have just got to understand that there is a way this game is supposed to be played. When they realize that, they could beat anybody in the world.”

DeCorey Knight had an early touchdown run for Vicksburg (0-2), as well as a 75-yard kickoff return touchdown in the final minute of the third quarter.

After taking and then losing an early 9-0 lead, the Gators went in front 23-20 on a TD run by Cedrick Blackmore with 4:07 left in the game.

Forest Hill responded, however, with Byrd’s long run and a two-point conversion to go back ahead 28-23. Vicksburg turned the ball over on downs and Forest Hill picked up a first down in the final minute to run out the clock.

In addition to giving up the late lead, Vicksburg had 12 penalties. Two of those erased touchdowns. Lacey said it was an end symptom of a bad week of practice and taking an opponent too lightly.

The Gators beat Forest Hill 33-6 last season and had won 19 of 20 all-time meetings in the series. This was Forest Hill’s first win against Vicksburg since 1994.

The Gators are back at home next week to play Natchez.

“Tonight went exactly how tonight was supposed to go,” Lacey said. “The kids have got to understand that nobody is going to lay down for you, and when you don’t practice the way you’re supposed to practice and don’t prepare the way you’re supposed to prepare, you’re going to get beat.”