The Vicksburg Gators continued to fight a battle with the man in the mirror and the turnover bug. The Gators fumbled twice in the fourth quarter and lost 31-17 to first-place Grenada on Friday night.

“It’s another tough one. We faced a tough opponent tonight,” said Vicksburg coach Marcus Rogers. “We made mistakes. Facing ourselves is the toughest team we can play.”

With 4:30 left in the game, the Gators had a chance to tie it at 24, but were stopped at the 1-yard line. However, it wasn’t all bad for the Gators. They also returned the second half kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown to tie it at 17.

Running back Tedarious Brown hauled in a 35-yard touchdown pass, Antonio Brown ran in a 4-yard touchdown and Greg Hayden made a 38-yard field goal. James Allen caught four passes for 72 yards.

The defense also was a big plus for the Gators.

“Jomon O’Neal had two sacks. Brown made some crucial tackles, for the most part we had them in check,” Rogers said. “It’s a tribute to how well our defense played and if we bring it next week we’ll be going to the playoffs.

In order for the Gators to make it to the postseason, they have to beat Holmes County Central in the season finale at Memorial Stadium. Holmes County lost 27-26 to Ridgeland on Friday night.

After the game, Rogers built up his team’s confidence with the fact that their playoff hopes are still alive.

“We need Grenada to beat Neshoba,” Rogers said. “Holmes is 3-3, we’re 2-4 (in the region). Neshoba has to play Grenada and anything can happen in that game. If we hold serve Friday, we’ll be in the playoffs.”

 

Tallulah 50,

Franklin 14

Ryan Hodge rushed for 275 yards and four touchdowns to lead Tallulah Academy (9-1, 5-0 District 4-A) past Franklin Academy (7-4, 4-1) for the MAIS District 4-A championship.

Mason Todd added 136 yards and two touchdowns.

Tallulah and Franklin will play again next week in the first round of the MAIS eight-man playoffs.

 

SIA 42, Briarfield 22

Cole Delaney scored three touchdowns in the first half as Sharkey-Issaquena Academy (8-3, 3-2 District 4-A) beat Briarfield (4-7, 1-4).

Delaney finished with 175 total yards — 94 rushing and 81 receiving — and four touchdowns. Quarterback Austin Herraney ran for a touchdown and threw for two.

SIA will open the playoffs on the road next week at Kemper Academy (10-0).

 

Rebul Academy 42,

Mt. Salus 14

Rebul Academy (6-5) finished its season with a victory over Mt. Salus to notch its first winning season since 2002.