The start of region play usually brings with it a sense of a fresh start. No matter how the first few weeks of the season go, if a team can get on a roll against region opponents, it can reach the playoffs and have a successful season.

For Warren Central, the fresh start comes with a sense of urgency.

WC opens its Region 2-6A schedule at home Friday night against Northwest Rankin. It’s a game that has, more often than not, determined the playoff fortunes of both teams in the last five years.

Three consecutive seasons, from 2006-08, Warren Central fell to Northwest Rankin and ended up missing the playoffs by a single game. Both teams reached the playoffs last year, but WC’s 27-26 overtime victory allowed it to finish ahead of Northwest in the standings.