A week off has helped Vicksburg.

Whether that translates into a much improved team Friday night in Monroe remains to be seen. The Gators (0-1) return from an open date to face the Richwood Rams at 7.

Vicksburg was beaten soundly by Brandon, 47-14, on Aug. 19 at the Red Carpet Bowl at Viking Stadium. Gators coach Alonzo Stevens said despite the loss, there were enough good spots for the team to build upon.

“I don’t think we’re the same old Gators of the past two seasons,” Stevens said. “Last year’s team would have gotten beat 80-0. We’re better on defense. Brandon made one sustained drive the whole game and that was because we were in the wrong defense. A lot of their scores came off our mistakes on offense and special teams. The one long run they had before the half, we had the kid for a 2-yard loss, but didn’t wrap up.”