Quarterback Joe Johnson had a breakout performance, the defense continued to shine, and the Vicksburg Gators remained undefeated.

It was a good night on Drummond Street.

Johnson completed 9 of 12 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns and added another score on the ground as the Gators beat Terry 27-6 on Friday.

Vicksburg (2-0) will head into next week’s crosstown rivalry game with Warren Central undefeated and with tons of momentum after a dominating performance against its second consecutive Class 6A opponent.

“I had to make sure the coaches and kids are on the same page because this was a trap game. I didn’t want an easy game. I wanted to play a 6A team and see the mindset of the kids, because everybody’s already looking at that (Warren Central) game,” Vicksburg coach Marcus Rogers said. “Now it’s here, and let’s go and do what we need to do, because it is a big game.”

Vicksburg’s running game struggled for the second consecutive week. After totaling less than 100 yards in the opener against Harrison Central, the Gators only had 83 yards on 22 carries against Terry. Tim Jackson led the team with 39 yards.

The threat of the run, though, once again opened things up for the passing game. Johnson connected with Tedarius Brown for a 61- and a 46-yard touchdown pass. Brown finished the game with six receptions for 151 yards and the two scores.

Of Vicksburg’s five offensive touchdowns so far this season, four have come through the air and all have covered 20 yards or more.

“The run game is still not where I want it to be, but it’s keeping them honest,” Rogers said. “It creates mismatches in the passing game. Our explosive playmakers are making explosive plays.”

The Gators’ defense and special teams also came up big once again. After allowing just two touchdowns in the opener, they gave up a single score to Terry and added a touchdown of their own.

Malik Shelley recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for the Gators.

“The defense showed up and played another real good game,” Rogers said. “We had one drive where we jumped offsides and they got a first down and scored. After that it was lights out. We forced fumbles, we hit hard, we knocked passes away. We’re flying 100 mph, but still playing assignment football and that’s what I love to see.”