Warren Central has put together an equilateral triangle of success this season.

The Vikings scored twice on fumble returns and once on a punt return — in addition to six offensive touchdowns — in a 63-36 win over Greenville on Friday. They’ve scored seven touchdowns on defense and special teams in six games this season, and coach Josh Morgan said the balance has been one of the team’s strengths.

“We’re becoming a complete ball club and we’re going to need that going forward,” Morgan said.

Warren Central (5-1, 2-0 Region 2-6A) has scored at least one defensive or special teams touchdown in four of its six games. Pearl and Northwest Rankin were the only opponents to keep WC’s defense out of the end zone, but the offense more than picked up the slack. The Vikings scored 42 points in each of those games.

For the season, WC is averaging 40.5 points per game. Besides scoring points, the defense has done a good job preventing them. It has allowed 18.3 per game over its last four outings.

Caleb Watts has six of the team’s 14 sacks and Tobias Bruce has three.

Cedric Harris and Kamren Ellis have been beasts on the defense and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Harris and Ellis have combined for 100 total tackles, with 15 tackles for loss.

Ellis also has two interceptions, including one against Greenville.

Ellis has learned how to read an offense and his work doesn’t go unnoticed. Morgan said Ellis has been a really good player for the Vikings and has to be in order to play middle linebacker. Ellis has 48 total tackles and a sack in addition to his two picks.

“He’s getting better every week,” Morgan said. “We’re pleased with him and he’s good in the film room as well and I think that’s helping him a lot.”

On special teams, Nick Wright kicked the winning field goal in a 45-42 win over Pearl and has only missed two PATs. DeMarcus Jones scored on an 81-yard punt return in the fourth quarter against Greenville, and against Vicksburg earlier this season he blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown.

Morgan said the bright spot on offense has been the run game, which has improved throughout the season.

D.J. Knight is leading the team with 450 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. D.J. Lane has 192 yards on 29 carries.

To be successful, Morgan said the team needs Knight and Lane to do well running the ball. Knight had 74 yards and two touchdowns on only six carries against Greenville, while Lane had 53 yards on six carries.

“They kind of did some different things and looks and took us a while to get going, but that’s what we need to be successful; those two guys to do really good,” Morgan said.

Up next

Warren Central at Madison Central

Friday, 7 p.m.

Radio: 105.5 FM

Online: For live scoring updates on Friday night, visit Facebook.com/thevicksburgpost