Vickburg’s 42-28 loss to Jim Hill Friday could’ve easily been a much closer game.

But in the first half, critical miscues stopped four Gator drives in Tiger territory and the visitors jumped out to a 21-0 lead that they didn’t relinquish.

The Gators need a quick rebound, traveling Friday to Northwest Rankin in what could be an elimination game in the Region 2-6A playoff race.

Both teams are 0-1 in region play and a second loss would likely be a mortal blow to the loser’s playoff hopes.

Four missed opportunities marred Vicksburg’s effort in the first half.

The first chance in Jim Hill territory was cut short by an interception and the second stalled on fourth down by a dropped pass, one of 14 for Vicksburg (1-4, 0-1 Region 2-6A). Another was stymied by a costly holding penalty that turned a third down and manageable situation into a third and improbable.

Vicksburg’s first fumble of the evening, with the Gators down 7-0 at midfield, led to Jim Hill’s second TD of the first half. Another fumble, this time on an option pitch, turned a big gainer into a scoring opportunity for Jim Hill (3-2, 1-0), which cashed in for a 21-0 halftime lead.

The final Vicksburg drive of the first half, which reached the Jim Hill 19-yard line, petered out as quarterback Tavares Johnson Jr. was sacked.

“You just can’t spot a team 21 points in the first half,” Vicksburg coach Tavares Johnson Sr. said. “If it wasn’t one thing, it was another. We’ve got to find some people who can make some plays.”

Speaking of making plays, the Gators might’ve found a go-to option at running back. Junior Terrell Smith had his biggest game as a Gator, rushing for 128 yards and a touchdown, all of it coming in the second half.

“Hopefully, he can be our starter or at least give us some significant reps back there,” Johnson Sr. said. “We’re still finding and building here.”

Thanks to Smith’s work in the second half, the Gators found their rhythm. Johnson Jr. completed 10 of 26 passes for 128 yards and one interception. He rushed for two touchdowns.

The Gators outscored the Tigers 28-21 in the second half.

“Everybody just pulled together and focused,” Johnson Jr. said. “We just ran out of time.”

Defensively, the Gators struggled against the run, as Jim Hill backs Marjarvis McGee and Zackary Tidwell combined for 204 of their team’s 234 yards on the ground. The Gators also had some key breakdowns on the back end, giving up two completions of 40 or more yards to completely uncovered receivers.

Rashard Callaway was one of the lone bright spots, as the senior linebacker had four tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.