[11/1/01] The really big games are about to start for Vicksburg High, but the Gators still have to take care of some unfinished business Friday.

A win against struggling Forest Hill (6-3, 2-3 Region 2-5A) clinches a playoff spot for the Gators (7-2, 4-1) and sends them into next week’s showdown with Warren Central on a high note and lets them avoid a must-win situation against the team that has beaten them in 19 of 20 meetings.

Ironically, a VHS win would also help clinch a playoff spot for WC. The Vikings host winless Murrah and would wrap up a spot with a win and a Forest Hill loss.

“It takes a whole lot of weight off you to do that,” VHS coach Alonzo Stevens said of wrapping up the playoff berth. “You’re right on it, and you’ve got to do that.”

First thing’s first, though.

The Gators can’t let Forest Hill sneak up on them like Callaway almost did last week. VHS barely held off the sub-.500 Chargers, 24-19.

“I think last week solved that problem. You’ve got to be ready to play. Hopefully they’re saying Maybe old coach has something,’ ” Stevens said.

Forest Hill started the season 6-0, a win streak that included a stunning victory over WC. But the Rebels have fallen on hard times lately.

Once in first place in the region, they have lost three straight and now need wins over VHS and Callaway in their last two games to make the playoffs.

“The competition has a lot to do with that, and we had a few injuries. All that ink in the paper don’t help either,” Forest Hill coach Bill Giles said of the losing streak.

Stevens said the Rebels are still a dangerous team that has played well during their losing streak. Running back Ricky Helom has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and fullback Walter Blevins has 672.

Still, Forest Hill has been outscored 82-24 by Clinton, Madison Central and Northwest Rankin. Only the 24-21 loss to Northwest Rankin was close.

“They haven’t had a lot of breaks, but the caliber of the football teams they’re playing has been excellent,” Stevens said.

The Gators, who have scored at least 20 points in all but one game this season, seem ready to feast on the slumping team. Wingback J.J. Brown, second in Warren County in rushing yardage with 733, has run for more than 90 yards in each of his last three games. QB Justin Henry leads the county in passing with 963 yards, eight touchdowns and a 58.8 percent completion rate.

Center Paul Gorney said the team has had a good week of practice and wasn’t looking ahead.

“I feel, offensively, we’ve got a good game plan. If we just go out and execute, we ought to come out with a victory,” Gorney said.