More and more, Warren Central’s coaching staff is working a talented class of sophomores in its playing mix. The learning process continues tonight when the Vikings travel to Newell Field in Jackson to battle the Murrah Mustangs.

The Vikings (2-4, 1-2 Region 2-5A) are coming off arguably one of their best efforts of the season even though it resulted in a 28-10 loss to region leader and fourth ranked Madison Central last week at Viking Stadium. Vikings coach Curtis Brewer liked how his team responded and feels it will be a good omen for the final four-game stretch of the regular season.

“The boys played hard and our defense made several key stops. We’ve got a lot of young guys out there. We started two more sophomores last week in Beau Williams at safety and Shon Jackson. They are going to miss some things. It’s an eye-opening experience for them, but they are getting better,” Brewer said.

Williams and Jackson join sophomore middle linebacker Zack Carter and defensive end Austin Roberts in the Vikings’ defensive lineup. Carter has started the last two weeks in place of regular senior starter Joe Harris, who remains out.

“Joe has a sprained arch and has been out two weeks and we don’t know about this week. Zack’s stepped in and is coming around. Austin Roberts is a sophomore defensive end who is playing more and more. We’ve basically moved a lot of people around. One of those is (JaRalle) Pedyfoot, who has moved from end to linebacker,” Brewer said.

The revamped lineup will take on a Murrah team that will spread the field with good athletes triggered by one of the better quarterbacks in the region in senior Joe Thomas.

“They run the spread and have a good quarterback. The quarterback (Thomas) is the key to the offense. He is such a good runner and can throw the ball extremely well. They like to go vertical in the passing game and then come back and just pitch-and-catch on shorter routes,” Brewer said.

The Mustangs come in at 4-3, but are tied with WC at 1-2 in the region. Dundrecous Nelson, Willie Smith and Allen Harrington are the key receiving targets for Thomas.

The Vikings will counter behind an offense that had a solid game against a good Madison Central defense with 189 yards rushing. Jackson and Willie Fields, who both took turns spelling WC’s top rusher in Joel Forbes (587 yards), made an impact with runs to set up the Vikings third quarter touchdown that made it a 14-10 game.

“Shon and Willie Fields can help us stretch the field with their speed. We’ve been without Shon since the Red Carpet Bowl because of a shoulder and he is now just coming back,” Brewer said.

“What we need now is for Antonio Curtis is to catch the ball more. Teams are doubling up on (Cordell) Valentine,” Brewer said of Valentine, who ranks first in Warren County in receiving with 25 catches for 292 yards.

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Contact Jeff Byrd at jbyrd@vicksburgpost.com.