Meridian stampedes Vikings, 34-14|[9/16/06]

Published 12:00 am Saturday, September 16, 2006

MERIDIAN – The Warren Central Vikings battled hard but dropped a 34-14 decision to the Meridian Wildcats Friday night in prep football action at Ray Stadium.

&#8220We are getting better,” Warren Central head coach Curtis Brewer said. &#8220We played hard but we put the ball on the ground too many times and we can’t do that.

&#8220We open district play next week against Northwest Rankin. We’ve got to get ready for that game because that’s when they start counting.”

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The key statistic in this game was the number of plays each team ran.

Meridian (2-2) finished the night with 335 yards in total offense. The Wildcats rushed the ball for 146 yards and completed 10 of 22 passes for 189 yards.

The Vikings (1-3) had 141 yards on 25 rushes, and completed 3 of 7 passes for 41 yards. But the Vikings were intercepted once and lost two fumbles.

Warren Central got off to a strong start. With the help of a Meridian penalty and a good kick return, the Vikings’ first play was on their 49-yard line. Michael Holt bolted for a 39-yard run that gave the Vikings a first down on the MHS 12.

The Vikings pushed down to the MHS 5, and Vic Tyrone cut across the line on the left side for a touchdown. Eric Richards booted the extra point and Warren Central led 7-0 with 9:31 left in the first quarter.

It appeared that the Vikings would score again when the ball was snapped over the Wildcat punter’s head. He covered the ball on the MHS 4-yard line and Warren Central had a first-and-goal.

But it wasn’t to be. Meridian kept Warren Central out of the end zone for four downs and took over on its 1-yard line.

The Wildcats then held the ball for the remainder of the first quarter as they used 20 plays to drive the ball 99 yards for a touchdown. Cedric Banks carried the ball into the end zone from three-yards out. John Carroll booted the extra point and the game was tied 7-7 with 15 seconds left in the quarter.

Moments later, the Wildcats were on the scoreboard again. On the first play after the kickoff, the Vikings fumbled on their 23, and MHS defensive back Khairi Usher returned it for a touchdown. The try for two failed and Meridian led 13-7 as the first quarter ended.

After two changes of possession, the Wildcats struck again. This time, quarterback Tyler Russell connected with Lindsey Spinks on a 40-yard TD pass play. Carroll’s kick was good and the Wildcats led 20-7.

The Vikings responded with a scoring drive of their own. Warren Central covered 54 yards in six plays.

Vic Tyrone scored on a five-yard run up the middle. Richards’ kick was good and the teams went into the half with Meridian in front, 20-14.

Meridian took the second half kickoff and drove 80 yards in 17 plays to increase its lead. Blanks scored on a 1-yard blast up the middle. Carroll kicked the extra point and Meridian led 27-14 with 5:13 left in the third quarter.

The Wildcats put the victory on ice midway through the fourth quarter when quarterback Walton Mitts connected with Chris Smith on a 16-yard touchdown pass play. Carroll added the kick.