Vicksburg coach Alonzo Stevens got a congratulatory phone call this week from former Mississippi State football coach Sylvester Croom.

Croom was glad to see Stevens’ Gators avoid a winless season by knocking off arch-rival Warren Central 13-7 in double overtime last week at Viking Stadium. The win gives Vicksburg a 1-9 record heading into the season finale tonight at Memorial Stadium against No. 3 Clinton (9-1, 5-1 Region 2-6A).

Both Croom and Stevens know about dealing with an upset fan base. Last year at this time, Croom was under fire as Mississippi State began its stretch slump, climaxing in its 45-0 loss to Ole Miss. Croom resigned under pressure the next day.

“Coach Croom told me, ‘I’ve got 53 guys who make more money than me and we didn’t win our first game until Sunday,’” Stevens said with a laugh.

The Gators will need the same effort and the renewed confidence to stay in the game against Clinton, which comes in shooting for a 10-win season and a boost into the 6A playoffs next week against Southaven.

“They are looking for momentum,” Stevens said.

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Contact Jeff Byrd at jbyrd@vicksburgpost.com