Confidence can do a lot for a team’s spirit, and Vicksburg’s 51-12 win over Lanier last Friday was the boost it’s been searching for.

“That’s the biggest deal, once the confidence is up and we get to winning ballgames the sky’s the limit,” Vicksburg coach Marcus Rogers said.

The Gators look to take their newfound confidence, the health of Devontay Knight and their success running the ball into this week’s game against Ridgeland. They also want to avenge their 35-20 loss to the Titans from a year ago.

“Those type games you always circle because you want to get better and improve and progress from year to year,” Rogers said.

Playoff implications are also at stake. Ridgeland is ahead of Vicksburg with a 2-1 Region 2-5A record, as opposed to the Gators’ 1-2 mark. Vicksburg (4-3 overall) can climb into third place with wins Friday and next week at Canton.

“I think it’ll propel us to where we need to be,” Rogers said. “If we take care of business Friday against Ridgeland, we got a date with Canton at Canton and that’s a very winnable game.”

Rogers said this week’s game is a must-win. He won’t shy away from his season long game plan of running the football, however, the team will take its chances throwing the ball when the opportunity presents itself.

Vicksburg had 198 rushing yards in the second half against Lanier, and three players scored rushing touchdowns. Rogers said an understanding of the blocking schemes and improved health will carry over that success.

“The system is in place and the offensive line is getting healthy. Nobody knows but the last three weeks my right guard and right tackle have been injured,” Rogers said. “I got my right guard back and I’m still waiting on my tackle next week, but that’s a plus.”

Ridgeland’s offense also centers on running the football and the teams are pretty much even in that aspect.

The Titans have five games where they’ve rushed for more than 140 yards and are just 27 yards shy of breaking 1,000 for the season. The Gators have broken the 200-yard mark twice and are 22 yards shy of 1,000.

Rogers plans on stopping the Titans’ running game with gap control.

“We’re going to play every gap, try to send one more than they can block. Our back four guys I think are better than any four in the state as far as defending the pass,” Rogers said. “We’re going to tackle the football and swarm to the football.”

At this point in the season, Rogers feels like his team is due for a breakout game.

“While other teams have already peaked, we’re peaking at the right time. The kids are buying in and they’re mentally focused,” Rogers said.

This week at practice, Knight was in full participation, with some contact and running. His return gives the Gators a dual quarterback threat with two different playing styles.

Knight saw most of his playing time against Lanier in the second half, when the Gators were well in front. He completed 3 of 8 passes for 52 yards and a touchdown, with all of his completions coming in the second half.

Johnson was 5-for-5 for 123 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions, all in the first half.

“Joe’s a lot more cerebral, where Devontay brings that athleticism,” Rogers said. “Joe has the Peyton Manning type touch and Devontay brings that Michael Vick aspect. With both of those guys together we should be able to thrive and finish the season strong.”

Ridgeland at Vicksburg

Friday, 7 p.m.

Radio: 1490 AM

Online: For live scoring updates on Friday, visit Facebook.com/thevicksburgpost or Twitter.com/vicksburg post