Worn out and banged up from two tough division games earlier in the week, and with two more to come next week, the Vicksburg Missy Gators ran into the wrong team at exactly the wrong time Saturday.

Northwest Rankin exploded for seven goals in the second half, turning a close game into an 8-0 rout at Memorial Stadium. Kayla Thompson and Maria Welch each scored twice for Northwest, which ripped off five goals in the last 20 minutes after VHS coach Kori Babb cleared her bench.

“I appreciated our effort in the first half. The second half was very slow and sluggish. It’s just like they couldn’t go any more,” Babb said. “We started subbing to prevent injuries.”

Northwest Rankin (15-2-3) outshot Vicksburg 13-1 in the first half, but only managed to score one fluky goal. Alexa Johnston’s corner kick was snagged by VHS keeper Robin Cooper, who jumped to grab it. Cooper landed just inside the goal line and it was ruled a goal.

Northwest extended the lead when Thompson scored a minute into the second half, and she added another goal in the 14th minute. Maddie Edmondson knocked in Northwest’s fourth goal at the 20-minute mark.

Babb pulled Cooper — who made 16 saves — in the 25th minute and the Lady Cougars unloaded on backup keeper Mikayla Banks down the stretch.

(B) NW Rankin 4, Vicksburg 0

Hunter Warren scored two goals, and Matthew Hall and Tanner Dewitt each had one as Northwest Rankin (8-6-2) shut out Vicksburg.

(G) Warren Central 9, Greenville-Weston 0

Taylor Hanes, Lindsey Barfield and Macy Joseph all scored two goals apiece as Warren Central (10-6-2, 2-1 Division 3-6A) picked up a key division win over Greenville-Weston.

Amanda Boleware, Noel Butler and Drew Barnes also scored goals, and goal keeper Katie Humphries posted her sixth shutout of the season.

(B) Warren Central 2, Greenville-Weston 1

Chandler Bounds and Alberto Capeleto each had a goal and an assist, as Warren Central (13-3-2, 3-0 Division 3-6A) earned a victory over Greenville-Weston.

The Vikings outshot Greenville 20-8, but couldn’t turn that dominant performance into an easy win. Greenville cut it to 2-1 with a goal late in the game before WC hung on.

“I think our legs were a little rubbery after our third game in a row. We just couldn’t seem to find the net,” said WC coach Greg Head, whose team was playing its third game in as many days.

WC can clinch a playoff berth by beating Vicksburg at home on Tuesday night.