Even though it’s his job to get his players focused and shut out the distractions leading up to this week’s rivalry game with Vicksburg High, Warren Central coach Josh Morgan smiles when he talks about the non-football part of it.

“It’s a fun game to play in. Fun game to watch. It’s definitely a different atmosphere and a different feel to it,” Morgan said. “It’s always an electric atmosphere. You’re playing for other people. It’s all of the good things about a rivalry.”

It’s been especially fun for Warren Central lately. The Vikings have won 12 consecutive games in the series, and will try to make it a baker’s dozen by winning the next installment Friday at Vicksburg’s Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Besides local bragging rights, it’s a pivotal game in the MHSAA Region 2-6A playoff race. Warren Central (3-3, 1-0 Region 2-6A) won its region opener last week and can get a good grip on first place with another victory.

Vicksburg (0-6, 0-1), meanwhile, lost its opener and is riding a six-game losing streak. It desperately needs a win Friday to avoid falling into a big hole.

There are only three league games left after this one, so the difference between 2-0, 0-2, and 1-1 is vast.

“When you go 1-0 it gives you a big leg up already,” Morgan said. “We were fortunate enough to get Ridgeland, which goes back to the importance of district and what that means. But then playing Vicksburg who is possibly a playoff team, so any time you match up with playoff contenders that head-to-head’s really important as well. It’s a big game all around.”

Although Warren Central has dominated the series for the past decade, it hasn’t come without some effort. The last three meetings were decided by a total of four points. The last two were settled with scoring plays in the final minute.

Those recent nailbiters have included controversial calls, game-winning field goals, and clinching defensive stands by the Vikings, in addition to odd plays like touchdowns on blocked field goals and interception returns. Morgan said the oddities have only upped the fun factor — and the intensity.

“It seems like the last three years it’s been a different thing here or there. You’re talking about everything from a missed extra point to blocked kicks and returning a kick,” he said. “This game usually brings out the best in both teams, but also a lot of different types of plays happen. Every play matters, and that’s the way you have to approach this game.”

The goofiness of the last three Vicksburg-Warren Central games has shown points can come from anywhere at any time, and might be why Morgan isn’t taking the Gators lightly despite their 0-6 record.

He said he still thinks the Gators can rally to make the playoffs. He just hopes their push begins next week.

“We don’t look at records when we play people, especially in this game. We’ll have to guard our guys from that and understand that what we look at is personnel and what they’re doing schematic-wise,” Morgan said. “They’ve got a big, athletic football team. They’ll definitely put pressure on you on both sides of the football.”

FRIDAY’S AREA GAMES
All games start at 7 p.m.
Warren Central at Vicksburg (Radio: 105.5/107.7 FM)
Manchester at St. Aloysius (Radio: 101.3 FM)
Porter’s Chapel at Wilkinson Christian (Radio: 104.5 FM)
River Oaks at Tallulah Academy
Port Gibson at Leflore County