For the past few weeks, Warren Central’s football players and coaches did not dwell on the program’s haunted postseason history. They focused on making their own history — and did it.

The Vikings (9-3) are in the MHSAA Class 6A semifinals for the first time in 30 years. They’ll host Grenada (12-1) Friday at 7 p.m., with a trip to the state championship game on the line.

“I’m really proud of our players and our coaches. I’m just really proud that we get to continue to play,” Warren Central coach Josh Morgan said. “This has been a good group, but it’s just the next step. By no means are we done. We’re still in it and still have the opportunity to reach our ultimate goal.”

Warren Central had been to the second round of the playoffs 11 times — with eight of those coming in the past 10 seasons — since winning the Class 5A championship in 1994, but never broke through. It put that bit of bad business well behind it with a 21-3 victory over South Panola last week.

While tradition is a big part of Warren Central’s football culture, Morgan said this year’s team is thriving by focusing on current events.

“We didn’t talk much about it,” Morgan said. “What we talked about was, 30 years ago has nothing to do with y’all. We’re in the right now. Let’s do what we’re supposed to do and concentrate on our jobs.”

There is one piece of recent history that the Vikings are focused on. Grenada ended their season in 2023 on the same Viking Stadium turf that will be the site of Friday’s game.

The stakes are high enough that the Vikings don’t need revenge as a motivational tool. Whatever little bit helps, though, Morgan is open to using.

“They ended our season last year. I don’t think anybody around here has forgot that,” he said with a chuckle. “But also it’s our next step. We’re a game away from the championship. So we need to make sure our mind is focused on winning and advancing. That’s all that matters. You can use whatever edge you want, as long as we’re all pulling that rope in the same direction.”

Last year’s game, which Grenada won 24-7, was a defensive slugfest in which the teams combined for less than 300 yards of offense. Friday’s rematch figures to be similar.

Warren Central has allowed a total of 35 points in its last seven games, and no touchdowns in 13 quarters. Grenada has given up seven points in its two playoff games.

Warren Central rode its excellent defense to the win over South Panola. It only led 7-3 until finally breaking it open with two touchdowns in the last 6:11.

“We’ve needed it in some areas and we’re going to be calling on them again this week,” Morgan said. “But you play good defense and you’re always going to have a chance to win.”

One more win, and the Vikings will be headed to Southern Miss’ M.M. Roberts Stadium for the state championship game on Dec. 7. Two more and they’ll add a third gold football to the ones from 1988 and 1994 that are in the school’s trophy case.

As enjoyable as it was to break through the Round 2 wall, Morgan wants everyone involved with the program to be part of an even bigger celebration over the next 10 days.

“I’m glad our kids got to experience that, and our fans and their parents and our families,” Morgan said. “The longer you go and the more you win, the bigger they get and the greater the experience.”

GRENADA AT WARREN CENTRAL
• MHSAA Class 6A North State championship
• Friday, 7 p.m.; Radio: 105.5 FM
• Tickets are $10 and are available through GoFan.co