The wall of orange-clad Madison Central defenders standing between Cameron Curtis and the goal had little effect on the Vicksburg High junior.

He lined up a free kick from about 15 yards out, struck the ball cleanly and drilled a low rocket shot into the right corner of the goal, beating all those orange-clad defenders and Madison Central goalie Andrew Simpson for a 1-0 victory Wednesday night.

The goal not only gave the Gators (11-6-1) a win over the Jags, but almost assured the team of a postseason berth.

&#8220I knew I had to make it so we could go to the playoffs,” Curtis said. &#8220The plan was to keep the shot low with a lot of bend.”

After the goal, scored with four minutes left in the second half, the Gators’ defense clamped down on Madison Central and did not allow a decent scoring chance.

&#8220It looked like they had 20 guys on the wall,” Vicksburg coach Jason Bennett said. &#8220I don’t know how he got that shot through there.”

After the win, players sprayed apple cider mock-champagne, but there is still work to be done before any real celebration can happen.

As it stands, Vicksburg is 3-1 in Division 3-5A with games against Greenville and Warren Central remaining. Madison has two losses in the division and will meet Warren Central on Friday night.

If Warren Central beats Madison, then the Vikings and Gators would play for the division championship on Tuesday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. If Madison beats WC, and then WC beats Vicksburg, all three would be tied atop the division and a system of tiebreakers will be used.

&#8220For us, it’s a one-game season Friday night,” Madison coach Thomas Gardner said. &#8220If we win, we are still alive, if we lose we’re finished.”

Both teams played physical soccer for the entire game, missing on several quality scoring chances. Madison Central defenders knocked out three would-be goals inches before they crossed the goal line, while Vicksburg denied all nine of Madison’s shots.

The game appeared headed into overtime when Simpson picked up a slow-roller 15 yards from the goal. He dropped the ball, then picked it up again giving the Gators a free kick.

Curtis, who played defense all night, took the kick and nailed it for the victory.

&#8220We’ve given up so many goals from set pieces this year,” Gardner said. &#8220We haven’t given up many during play, but boy do we give a lot up on set pieces.

&#8220It was a very, very good free kick.”

(G) Madison Central 5, VHS 0.

Barring a colossal collapse on Friday, Madison Central will lay claim to the Division 3-5A championship, while Vicksburg and Warren Central will battle for the coveted final playoff spot.

Katie Dennis scored two goals, while Ramonia Forbes, Jennifer Addy and Kasey Ambrose each scored one as Madison improved to 15-2-3, and 5-0 in the division.

Vicksburg fell to 10-10 with the loss.