This was an important season for Warren Central’s storied football program.

After cratering five years ago, it had slowly rebuilt itself behind a talented group of players that graduated after winning 17 games combined in 2013 and 2014. The 2015 season was the next big test, to see if what they started could continue on after they’d left.

The next generation of Vikings not only picked up the torch, they ran with it like Usain Bolt fleeing from a pack of hungry wolves.

Warren Central won 10 games, including its first playoff victory since 2002, and hosted a playoff game for the first time since 2004. With a number of key players returning next season, it seems safe to say the program is on solid long-term footing for the first time in a while.

“That was really the story of the year. Coming into the year, we lost a special group and didn’t really know how we’d respond and carry on,” Warren Central coach Josh Morgan said. “Now this group has become a special group. It’s good to see, and I hope we can continue that tradition.”

Unlike its predecessors, which featured superstars like Mississippi State signee Chris Stamps, East Mississippi Community College linebacker DeArius Christmas, and several other talented athletes, this year’s team was largely an amorphous, anonymous blob that simply won games without having a breakout star.

Four players rushed for at least 450 yards, but none reached 1,000. Junior quarterback Jesse Wilson was a dual threat with nearly 800 yards and eight touchdowns rushing, and more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns passing, but occasionally split playing time with senior Brooks Boolos.

On defense, 10 different players had at least one takeaway.

Sixteen sophomores and juniors who saw significant playing time will return next season. Morgan said the winning foundation that’s been laid down can quickly become self-sustaining.

“We believe in what we’re doing and how we run our program. The guys are used to success and winning ballgames, and hopefully we can continue it,” Morgan said.

All of this success seemed unlikely three months ago. The Vikings started the season with a 42-28 loss to Wayne County in the Red Carpet Bowl, and gutted out a 45-42 shootout victory over Pearl the following week.

The win over Pearl started an eight-game winning streak that included victories over Vicksburg, Madison Central and Clinton. The streak was eventually snapped by Starkville in late October, and the season ended with Friday’s 21-14 loss to Madison Central in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs.

The three teams the Vikings lost to are all still playing. Madison Central and Starkville will play for the North State championship this Friday, while Wayne County will play Laurel in the Class 5A semifinals.

“We’ve had a great year. We beat a lot of teams we weren’t supposed to beat,” Morgan said. “Nobody in the world thought we’d be right here. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve done, and our coaches and the wonderful job that they do. I thank my players for trusting us and letting us be their coaches.”

Now, the Vikings will see once again if they can carry on the tradition. Last year’s senior class won 17 varsity games, and this one won 27. Last year’s group made the playoffs on a regular basis, and this year’s won in them.

Now it’s up to the Class of 2016 and beyond to take the next step.

“This senior group has 27 wins. They’ve done a lot for this program, and we appreciate them,” Morgan said. “I think our program’s on the rise and we’re constantly getting better, and I’m excited to be their coach.”