Warren Central’s boys soccer team closed out 2024 with a playoff berth in its pocket and a golden path to a a second consecutive region championship.

Five players scored a goal, and the Vikings remained undefeated in MHSAA Region 2-6A by beating Columbus 5-1 on Friday.

Jacob Porter and Daniel Wescott scored goals three minutes apart midway through the first half, and Reed McClurg added another on a penalty kick in the 38th minute to put the Vikings ahead 3-0 at halftime.

Columbus scored early in the second half, but Nick Lee got it back moments later to re-establish the three-goal cushion.
Luke Bond got Warren Central’s final goal, after assisting on the first two.

Duke Esparza and Charlie Esparza also had assists.

Warren Central (13-1, 5-0 MHSAA Region 2-6A) finished the 2024 portion of its schedule having already clinched a playoff berth and no worse than the No. 3 seed from Region 2-6A. It still has two region games left in January against Neshoba Central and one against Ridgeland, and can win the region title by winning those.

Warren Central’s next game is Jan. 4, at home against Kosciusko. It’ll host Neshoba Central on Jan. 7.

Girls
Warren Central 8, Columbus 0
Jordan Polk scored three goals and assisted on another, and Rachel Opperman scored twice as Warren Central’s girls soccer team routed Columbus (1-11-1, 0-6 Region 2-6A) to clinch a berth in the Class 6A playoffs.

Allie Mason also had a goal and an assist for the Lady Vikes (13-3, 5-0), while Addi Keller and Laney Bull each scored one goal.

Jamey Leo had three assists, and Sydney Hern had one.

Warren Central remained atop the Region 2-6A standings with its 11th win in 12 games. It is a game and a half ahead of both Ridgeland and Neshoba Central heading into the second half of the season.

Neshoba Central beat Vicksburg 1-0 on Friday to remain tied with Ridgeland for second place in Region 2-6A, with both having 3-1 league records.