From Sean P. Murphy

Olive Branch had one weakness this season – it was in the same region as South Panola.

Save a 27-3 blowout by the unanimous No. 1 team in the state, Olive Branch (10-1) has run roughshod through all of Mississippi.

The team that has five legitimate Division I football prospects averages 45 points per game – which dipped because of the South Panola loss – and allows only 10 points per game.

&#8220We’re not going up there to get this over with and come on home. We are going up there to win the game,” said WC coach Curtis Brewer, whose team has to travel today after falling to Vicksburg 10-0 last Friday night. &#8220The odds are against us, but that’s not what determines who wins and loses.

Quarterback Anthony Summers, who was not supposed to play last week against Tupelo because of a hand injury, threw for four touchdowns in a blowout victory.

The Conquistadores’ prolific offense will take aim tonight at home against Warren Central on what is expected to a be a bone-chilling evening. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

&#8220The playoffs are a challenge no matter who you play,” Brewer said. &#8220Our kids have fought hard to get here and they have played an extremely difficult schedule. Our kids have had to fight for every ballgame they’ve won.”

Winning this one will be more difficult because standout defensive end Desmond Carson will likely miss the game with a leg injury. He had been hobbled over the past several games and re-injured his leg in the Vicksburg loss. Earlier in the year, reigning Vicksburg Post Defensive Player of the Year Chico Hunter injured his knee and was lost for the season.

&#8220I wish we were going up there with all our troops healthy,” Brewer said. &#8220But that’s just the nature of this game this time of year.”

The Vikings’ defense, which has carried the team through most of the season, will be challenged on numerous fronts.

Olive Branch will run out of the shotgun with four and five receivers, then move into a power-I and try to drive the ball down the opponents’ throats. Wide receiver Markeith Summers, the quarterback’s brother, is the most dangerous of the Quistors’ bevy of offensive weapons. Demantanise Hill if the team’s featured back, but will also move out as a receiver.

&#8220They have as talented a team as you will find spread across the football field,” Brewer said. &#8220I have heard that they have as high as eight Division I prospects. They have some very gifted athletes.”

The Vikings will be playing in their state-record 21st straight state playoffs. WC could have locked up the second seed and hosted a playoff game tonight, but the loss to Vicksburg forced WC north.

Driving directions

7 p.m. – Warren Central (7-4) at Olive Branch (10-1)

Driving directions: Travel Interstate 55 North until Exit 287 (Church Road). Proceed on Church Road until it dead ends. Turn left and proceed to the first traffic light. Turn right and Olive Branch High School is on the left.