A late goal kept alive Vicksburg High’s flickering playoff hopes Thursday night.

Kyle Davidson booted a shot past the keeper from 25 yards away with less than three minutes to go in regulation, and the Gators escaped with a 2-1 victory over Greenville-Weston on a cold night at Memorial Stadium.

The win kept Vicksburg’s faint playoffs hopes in Class 6A alive going into Tuesday’s clash with Warren Central.

Vicksburg (3-9-3, 1-3 Division 3-6A) must first make up a two-goal difference against the Vikings, then beat Greenville-Weston again next Friday. The Gators also need Clinton to beat Warren Central twice, tonight at Viking Stadium and again next Friday.

Davidson kept the playoffs a possibility with his second goal of the match Thursday. The Holmes Community College signee tied it with a goal right before the first-half whistle on a 35-yard shot.

“This was way too close,” Davidson said. “The score shouldn’t have been like that. I think everybody was surprised at how well they (Greenville) played.”

Vicksburg coach Kevin Watson was impressed.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a team play with more heart all year,” Watson said of the Hornets. “They came out so hard. Mentally, they were ready to win this game. It was a struggle for us.”

The Hornets (3-6, 0-4) dominated play for the first 20 minutes, outshooting Vicksburg 5-2. Their fifth try, at the 19:27 mark, proved fruitful. Gators sweeper Chad Williams tried to steer away a shot, but his clearing kick went right to Greenville’s Robert Phinisee. Phinisee launched a 30-yard kick that sailed over the hands of Vicksburg keeper Marc Grace for a 1-0 lead.

Davidson tied it in the last two minutes of the first half, then won it in the last three minutes of the second.

With overtime looming, Vicksburg’s Dennis Clark made a run but was met by two Greenville defenders. The ball got knocked away and Davidson got it at the 25. He smashed a low line drive that found the net for the game-winner.

(G) Vicksburg 7, Greenville-Weston 0

Vicksburg tallied five first-half goals and went on to an easy win over Greenville.

The win moved Vicksburg (7-7, 2-2 Division 3-6A) into position to claim a playoff berth if they can beat Warren Central Tuesday. The Missy Gators won the first match between the two schools on Jan. 5, 2-1 on two goals by Tabitha Hayden.

Hayden was at it again Thursday, scoring two goals. Seventh-grader Mikayla Banks and senior Maya Thomas had two goals apiece. Carley East had the other VHS goal.