Until Clinton broke through last year at Viking Stadium, Warren Central had the Arrows’ number.

The Vikings won three straight from 2006 through 2008, including two wins in Clinton. WC (5-3, 3-1 Region 2-6A) hopes to continue that trend tonight in a key contest.

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Warren Central at Clinton

Both teams are tied for second in the eight-team region. A win locks up a playoff berth for the Vikings and gives them a big leg up for a No. 2 seed and a home playoff game on Nov. 13. A win for Clinton accomplishes the same goal for the Arrows (7-1, 3-1).

Vikings coach Curtis Brewer says his former teams were able to get up for the Arrows, especially in 2007 when WC won 21-18 at Viking Stadium.

“It was kids just playing well. I hope we can do it again,” Brewer said. “I remember the game three years ago here where Clinton was heavily favored and it was our homecoming. They were down close and we stopped (Wesley) Mounger from scoring on the last play. R.W. Comans was on the bottom of the pile, asking, ‘Did we stop him?’

“We’re going to need another exceptional game like that one,” Brewer said.

Dry conditions in the early part of the week allowed Warren Central to get in a full slate of practice, which was welcomed by Brewer and his coaching staff.

“It was the first time in three weeks we were able to get fully on our fields,” Brewer said.

Just about all of Mississippi has been hurt by rain this fall, leaving many grass surfaces a muddy mess. 

Clinton does not have that problem since Arrows Field has a Field Turf surface.

“They never had to miss a beat with their practices,” Brewer said.

The good surface could help the Vikings crank up their offense. They threw the ball just four times in last week’s 14-0 win over Murrah. The lone completion of 31 yards was called back because of a motion penalty.

“We don’t really turn the lights out with our offense anyhow, but we should be better. (John) Gustavis is back 100 percent and that will add to our offense. Tim (Jones), though, is still limping,” Brewer said.

That could be bad news. Jones is the area’s leading rusher with 1,129 yards and 12 touchdowns on 173 carries. He hurt his ankle in the third quarter, but still scored a game-clinching 11-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.

Clinton will bring a balanced offensive attack against WC. They have rushed for 1,275 yards this season and passed for 1,099. Quarterback Elliot Brashier leads the Arrows. He has completed 71 of 139 passes for 1,080 yards and 10 touchdowns. Receivers Alex Williams and Adam McWilliams have combined for 56 receptions for 945 yards and eight TDs. Akiko Thompson has rushed for 428 yards and 10 scores for Clinton.

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Contact Jeff Byrd at jbyrd@vicksburgpost.com