Warren Central backup quarterback Ryan Williams throws over Grenada linebacker Charles Herron in the second half Friday night. (Jon GiffinThe Vicksburg Post)

[10/30/04]It’s every backup’s dream.

Stepping into the eye of the storm, Ryan Williams delivered the game-sealing score for No. 8 Warren Central.

Starting quarterback Christian Hales injured his shoulder late in the third quarter and backup Williams entered with the Vikings tenuously clinging to a 7-3 lead. In the fourth quarter, Williams found Fred Payne with a floater, and Payne broke a tackle for a 32-yard touchdown.

“It feels great right now, but I just want to thank the coaches for giving me the opportunity,” Williams said. “I told Christian I was going to win this one for him. It just feels real great.”

Combine that with another dominant defensive effort and WC held on to win 21-3 against Grenada to claim the Region 2-5A title on Friday.

“It’s just a joy, just truly a joy,” said first-year coach Curtis Brewer, who was drenched with Gatorade from head to toe. “These kids have steadily improved all year.”

Warren Central’s defense allowed 221 total yards and forced four turnovers two fumbles and two interceptions. In the closing seconds of the game, Desmond Carson forced a fumble in the end zone on Grenada’s Delandus Dukes, and Jonathan Nash recovered it for a TD to put WC up 21-3 with 7 seconds remaining.

“They kept holding me all night, but we kept fighting,” said Carson, who also had 2 1/2 sacks.

The pressure was on the defensive line to step up because the Vikings were forced to drop linebackers back in coverage against Grenada’s shotgun offense. The line responded with constant pressure on Grenada quarterback Matt McCrory, totaling five sacks. McCrory finished with 114 yards on 5-of-13 passing with two interceptions.

“We just knew we had to fight hard the whole time, put pressure on the quarterback and make him make bad throws,” Carson said.

On a night where unheralded players made the big plays, star tailback Larry Warner quietly gave another gutsy performance. Fighting off facemask penalties and numerous hard hits from a tough-nosed Grenada defense, Warner managed to pick up 148 yards on 23 carries.

“It’s part of football,” Warner said. “Each night I know they’re gunning for me. I’ve just got to tighten my game up, come out there and run hard each and every play.”

After a scoreless first quarter, Grenada took advantage of an interception by Hales to drive to the WC 15, where the Chargers picked up a 32-yard field goal from Allen Turner for a 3-0 lead.

Warner then carried the Vikings on his shoulders during a 76-yard drive that spanned 4:14 and ended with a Dexter Carson 1-yard plunge for a 7-3 WC lead.

In the fourth quarter, Williams threw a high, short pass that Payne adjusted to, caught and broke a tackle for the 32-yard score.

“I was real nervous when I went in,” Williams said. “That pass wasn’t very good, but Fred caught it.”

Vikings draw either Tupelo, Columbus for playoff opener

After clinching the Region 2-5A championship on Friday with a 21-3 win over Grenada, the Warren Central Vikings have one hurdle to cross before beginning a playoff run at home.

The Vikings’ playoff opponent will be decided on Friday night. If Tupelo defeats Olive Branch on the road, the Golden Wave will play WC. If Olive Branch wins, and Columbus beats Starkville, Columbus would play WC. If Olive Branch wins and Starkville beats Columbus, Tupelo would play at WC.

In the other Class 5A playoff matchups, Madison Central will host West Point; Olive Branch will host the winner of the Clinton-Grenada game; and South Panola will host the loser of the Clinton-Grenada game.