The Vicksburg Missy Gators did what they needed to do to avoid a bad first-round draw in the MHSAA girls’ soccer playoffs. Now they just need to find out if it was enough.

Amari Johnson scored three goals and assisted on another as the Missy Gators routed Columbus 7-0 on Monday.

Kennedy Mullins and Trinity McGloster each had a goal and an assist for the Missy Gators. Camden McGloster and Xarier Williams also scored goals, and Lili Kistler had an assist.

Columbus did not have a shot on goal.

“The defense was outstanding,” Vicksburg coach Maurice Gilliam said. “We only beat Columbus 1-0 back in December. We went back to the drawing board and came up with a new game plan. The ladies executed it to perfection. Very proud of them.”

Vicksburg (12-6, 3-4 MHSAA Region 2-6A) had already locked up a playoff berth, but is trying to get to the No. 3 seed from Region 2-6A and avoid a first-round match-up with two-time defending Class 6A champion Saltillo.

Vicksburg will finish third and go to Grenada or Center Hill if Neshoba Central beats Ridgeland (7-10, 3-3) on Tuesday and some tiebreakers work in its favor. If Ridgeland beats Neshoba, it will get the No. 3 seed.

Vicksburg will finish its regular season Thursday, with a road trip to Jackson to play Forest Hill at 5:30 p.m.

Boys
Columbus 3, Vicksburg 2
Columbus (5-9-2, 2-6 Region 2-6A) scored three goals in the last 15 minutes to snatch a victory away from Vicksburg (1-15-3, 0-8) in Monday’s boys’ game.

Allan Allen and Gideon Thomas scored Vicksburg’s goals, and keeper Xavier Williams made eight saves.

The Gators needed to win by at least three goals to have a chance at the fourth and final playoff berth from Region 2-6A. Columbus won 4-1 when they played in December.