Most coaches will tell you every game is the same on the importance scale.

The most significant matchup is always the next one, as the age-old adage goes, because coaches don’t want their players to look ahead. But this Friday doesn’t lend itself to coach speak, and Vicksburg coach Marcus Rogers isn’t beating around the bush when discussing how vital this matchup is to his team’s shot at a Region 2-5A title.

The Gators are set to hit the road to take on an undefeated Germantown team that holds the keys to a region championship firmly in its grip. The Mavericks (5-0, 1-0 Region 2-5A) have yet to lose this season behind an efficient offense that averages 29 points per game and suffocating defense that has swallowed up its first five opponents.

But Vicksburg seems to finally be hitting its stride, as evidenced by the team’s 20-0 shutout win over Lanier last week. Rogers’ squad held the Bulldogs to minus-25 yards in its most impressive showing to date — something he hopes will carry over into Friday’s game against Germantown.

“The defense doesn’t lack for confidence at all. I attribute that to my defensive coordinator (Darrell Scott),” Rogers said. “He gets into those guys’ minds because it’s a subconscious thing. They’ve got a mindset and a swagger like none other. He’s been waiting on this game and I’ve been waiting on it too.

On offense, the Gators are slowly adjusting to the read option spread Rogers has installed. Quarterback Marquez Pickett threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns last week and will have to be efficient if Vicksburg wants to beat a Germantown team that has recorded 11 sacks and nine interceptions this season.

“It’s really still the same plays and the same formations, just different motions,” Rogers said. “We’ll supplement our weaknesses. We’re not as strong up front as most ballclubs in 5A so we’ve got to find some strengths in other places.”

Vicksburg’s goal is to disrupt the Mavericks early and strike first. If it can accomplish that in the opening stages of the game, anything is possible in what is sure to be an exciting game.

“They’re 5-0. They’re at home. Let’s see if they can battle some adversity,” Rogers said. “They haven’t been behind all year. They usually jump out in the first quarter pretty good. Let’s weather the storm and do whatever we’ve got to do. It’s not going to be a fast race. It’s going to be a marathon.”

On the radio

Friday, 7 p.m., 1490 AM

Vicksburg at Germantown