Vicksburg High School took command in Division 3-5A play with a thrilling 2-1 overtime soccer victory over Madison Central Tuesday night.

Sophomore Ryan Ferrington scored the game-winner in the second minute of double overtime when he knocked in a rebound off a corner kick.

&#8220This is a big win for us,” Gators coach Jason Bennett said. &#8220This puts us in the driver’s seat (in the district). We just have to stay there.”

The Gators (7-1, 1-0 division) took a 1-0 lead midway through the first half on a free kick by sophomore Brian Fitzgerald from about 30 yards out. Fitzgerald beat freshman goalie Charlie Lewis, who was pressed into service after junior Andrew Simpson left the game in the first two minutes with an ankle injury.

The Jaguars (2-2-1, 0-1) scored the equalizer in the 24th minute of the second half when senior Ryne Smith took a pass from junior Logan Jones at the top of the box, turned to his right foot and shot low into the left corner.

&#8220I thought we played very well in the first half and in the second half we lost some of our intensity,” Bennett said. &#8220In the overtime we got it back.”

First year Jaguars coach Jay Harrison, a former Warren Central coach, said his team played better in the second half.

&#8220This is a team with a pretty stout offense,” Harrison said. &#8220In the second half we made some adjustments and I thought we did a good job of containing their speed and created a lot of opportunities for ourselves. It just didn’t fall our way tonight.”

(G) MC 4, Vicksburg 1.

The Madison Central girls scored early and often, taking a 3-1 halftime lead en route to a 4-1 victory over the Missy Gators (6-2-1, 0-1).

Senior Heather Roberson scored two goals in the first half, and freshman Chandler Evans and sophomore Kate Arnold scored one each to lead the Lady Jaguars.

Holly Head scored the lone goal for Vicksburg off a direct kick.