Warren Central’s party lasted deep into the night last Friday after a last-second win over Madison Central.

When the sun rose on Saturday morning, however, reality hit like a splash of cold water across the face. As big as that victory was, it was only one of many the Vikings needed to get to reach their ultimate goal of a Region 2-6A championship — and the next one was only a few days away.

Warren Central (7-0, 3-0 Region 2-6A), ranked eighth in this week’s Associated Press overall poll, heads to Jackson’s Newell Field on Friday to take on a dangerous Murrah (6-2, 1-2) team.

“Back to work,” WC coach Josh Morgan said. “We’ve got a big challenge in front of us, and it’s going to be very important that we put that one (Madison Central) in the filing cabinet and go back to work.”

Warren Central is 7-0 for the first time in 20 years, thanks to the thrilling win over Madison Central. Marcus Ragan caught a deflected touchdown pass on the final play of the game for a 16-14 victory.

Taking down the seven-time defending region champs, though, was just the first step on a tough road through October. No. 7 Clinton comes to Viking Stadium next week, and a road trip to No. 1 Starkville is looming on Halloween night.

In between those challenges is Murrah, which started the season with six consecutive wins but suddenly finds itself fighting to stay alive in a crowded playoff race.

Murrah dropped back-to-back games to Madison Central and Clinton, and are in a three-way tie for the fourth and final playoff spot in Region 2-6A.

“They’re 6-2 and lost their last two games to two very good teams. They’re going to be fighting for their playoff lives,” Morgan said. “We’ve got to make sure we match that intensity and urgency.”

The Mustangs certainly have the talent to knock Warren Central from the ranks of the unbeaten.

Malik Dear, who has committed to Mississippi State, has scored 18 touchdowns this season and averages 10.8 yards every time he touches the football. Murrah moves him around the field, from running back to receiver and even to quarterback, to take advantage of his talent.

The four-year starter has 3,298 yards and 55 touchdowns rushing during his remarkable high school career, to go along with 127 receptions for 2,410 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns.

“His speed, size and will to run the ball. He’s a dangerous player anywhere on the field,” WC linebacker Derrick Thomas said of Dear.

Morgan cautioned that the Mustangs are more than just Dear.

Running back Maruisian Chapman has rushed for 295 yards and three touchdowns this season, and also caught six touchdown passes. Twelve of Murrah’s 42 pass completions have been touchdowns.

The Mustangs also have a talented, underrated defense, Morgan said. They posted two shutouts in their first six games before being torched for 80 points combined against Madison Central and Clinton.

“They might be the best defensive line we’ve seen,” Morgan said. “Their defensive line clogs up holes and the linebackers run to the football. We’re going to have to do a great job scheming them.”