Let’s take some time to reflect over the first few games of the football season.

I’ve spent the most time covering Warren Central. I was there until almost midnight for the Red Carpet Bowl and the back-and-forth fiesta against Pearl. After starting the season with a loss against a tough Wayne County team, I saw the dedication and commitment in the Vikings to get better and turn things around against Pearl.

Everyone had a hand in the victory over the Pirates. The running game got big yards from quarterback Jesse Wilson, eventually putting them within range for the game-winning field goal. The poise Wilson displayed in the final minute of the game was strong.

While I was assigned to cover the WC game during the Red Carpet Bowl, I arrived early to watch the Vicksburg Gators in their season opener.

The Gators won a tight game over Harrison Central and had a tough time. Quartebrack Joe Johnson was injured before halftime but returned and led the team to a last-minute, 14-13 victory.

I also saw the Gators play in their jamboree looking like a well-oiled machine. Despite a few mental mistakes, I can see how they’ve been able to start the season with a 2-1 record.

PCA’s game against Central Hinds sounded like the classic 1992 Kentucky vs Duke game, where Christian Laettner was perfect on the court, yet stepped on a Kentucky player before eventually catching the full-court pass for the iconic shot. Except for the Eagles, it resulted in a loss. With over 400 penalties called between both teams, it’s safe to say things were a bit out of control.

The Eagles started the season struggling against St. Andrew’s, losing 35-0. Things didn’t get better when they lost a potential winnable game against Riverdale, which forfeited due to injuries.

Finally, the St. Aloysius Flashes remain winless through three games. Star running back DeMichael Harris suffered an ankle injury against Pisgah and Connor Bottin has stepped up to gain big yards and keep the team afloat. This is a rough patch for the team. District play begins next week, so they still have an opportunity to make another push toward a state championship. With the addition of Bottin, and with Harris in the backfield, the Flashes look to be a threat going forward.

•

Alex Swatson is a reporter. He can be reached at 601-636-4545, Ext. 178, or via email at alex.swatson@vicksburgpost.com