When Warren Central and Vicksburg renew their rivalry today at Lady Vike Field, playoff positioning will be on the line along with pride.

The winner will take the lead in the Division 3-5A race, while the loser will take a big step back.

“The part that’s most important is the fact it’s a division game, what’s standing in the way of us making the state playoffs,” WC coach Lucy Young said.

The Lady Vikes (10-4) beat VHS in a jamboree game at the start of the season, but the Missy Gators have been on a roll since then. VHS has jumped out to a 12-3 start and has won the ugly games like Tuesday’s 20-14 win over Forest Hill as well as the easier ones.

“That tells you a lot about those girls that even at our sloppiest we’ve been able to win those games,” VHS coach Josh Harper said.

Harper added that he was hoping the Missy Gators’ luck holds up for at least one more day.

“Warren Central’s bound to come around and start hitting the ball, and I think they’re going to wake up (today),” he said.

Young said the Missy Gators are definitely a threat to the Lady Vikes’ playoff hopes as WC tries to return to the playoffs after missing them last season.

“They’re a much improved team and playing well, and we just know what a challenge we have before us,” Young said. “We just hope we’re prepared for (today).”

Harper had similar thoughts. Despite several “key injuries” to players he refused to name he was confident the Missy Gators would prevail.

Lashanda Williams has been WC’s steadiest hitter. Dana Daigre leads VHS.

“Even at half of our potential, I believe we’re going to be the better team because these girls give me heart,” Harper said, adding he was still waiting for his team to play a solid all-around game. “I hope it’s (today). If not, then I hope the Vikings aren’t at their best either.”