[02/06/01] Kim Griffin and Courtney Chapman have been connecting on the soccer field since they were 7 years old. From the youth fields of Bovina to the select fields of the Jackson Futbol Club to Memorial Stadium at Vicksburg High, they have learned what to expect of each other.

Tuesday, the two will try to move one step closer to the Missy Gators’ fourth state championship in six years. Vicksburg (16-4) will host Southaven (10-2) at 5 p.m. for a shot at playing for the North State title on Friday.

Griffin and Chapman, who have combined for 30 goals, have developed into a formidable tandem.

“When you play with someone for that long, you’re bound to learn something about their style of play,” said Chapman, who will sign a national letter of intent to play soccer at Louisiana-Monroe on Wednesday. “It’s helpful. It’s hard to play with people you haven’t been playing with before.”

The pair’s togetherness spreads throughout the entire team, something the Missy Gators haven’t had in the past. During a four-year run that saw Vicksburg play in the first four state championships, the players were able to overcome constant bickering and infighting to be successful.

With seniors Griffin and Chapman leading the way, coach Kevin Manton said this year’s team is the closest-knit of his 12 years.

“This is the best group maybe not the best players but the best team I’ve had,” Manton said. “The whole bunch likes each other and there’s no complaints about one another.”

Four players scored in the Missy Gators’ opening-round win over Tupelo on Saturday, including freshman Brandi Parker, who booted in her team-best 31st goal. Southaven, which did not play any teams from Central Mississippi during the regular season, lost its only two games to Tupelo. The Lady Chargers beat Murrah 4-0 to advance to the second round.

“Everyone knows Vicksburg is a very good team,” Southaven coach Cheri Brice said. “They have a very good program and we expect a tough game.”

Brice said the Lady Chargers feature a physical team, but one without much speed. Goalkeeper Christy Baldwin is the main weapon, Brice said.

“We have some girls with experience, but just average speed,” said Brice, who leads Southaven into their third year as a program.

The speed game is what the Missy Gators rely on, but Manton said his team must not speed ahead to the North State Championship game. A matchup with nemesis Clinton, which has beaten Vicksburg, is a possibility if VHS wins and the Lady Arrows beat Madison Central Tuesday.

“I’m a little concerned about what the girls are going to think,” Manton said. “If you want to play Friday, you have to win (Tuesday). I can’t stress how important that is, and I think they know it.”

Griffin, who says she wants to play on the college level but has not decided where, believes the Missy Gators are back after a one-year hiatus from the North State Championship.

“I think we’ll do well against them,” Griffin said. “I want to play Clinton in the next round. Hopefully we’ll make it that far.”