For most of its 36-year history, the Warren Central vs. Vicksburg rivalry has been defined by streaks.

Warren Central won the first nine meetings, and 21 of the first 22. Vicksburg turned the tables in the late 2000s by winning five in a row and six of seven. Lately, Warren Central has seized back the momentum by taking four in a row — the last two via shutout.

Heading into their latest matchup, Friday night at Memorial Stadium, a couple of other streaks are on the line. Both teams are 2-0 to start the season. Handing an archrival its first loss of the season is a little bit of extra motivation, not that either side needs it.

“The motivation will be there,” Warren Central coach Josh Morgan said. “It’s making sure your whole team and staff is locked in and focused on the task at hand. That’s where the challenge is.”

So far, Warren Central has met every challenge in front of it. It routed Oak Grove in the season-opening Red Carpet Bowl and then held on to beat Pearl 28-21 last week after building a three-touchdown lead in the second half.

Facing the Gators, though, will be a new experience.

Vicksburg’s defense has only allowed two touchdowns in its last seven quarters. The Gators have forced eight takeaways in their first two games and also blocked a punt. Warren Central will counter with an explosive offense that has racked up 552 rushing yards in two games and had 12 plays of 20 yards or more.

How the Vikings’ offense does against Vicksburg’s speedy, athletic defense will be one of the game’s more intriguing matchups. Morgan tried to downplay it, though, saying it was one of many he and his team are trying to diagnose.

“I think you’ve got several key matchups. That’ll be one of them,” Morgan said. “We look at it as a team approach. It’s not going to be our offense vs. their defense. We’re going to use all three phases to put us in the best position to win.”

For the Vikings, though, that will likely come down to being able to establish the run. Quarterback Jesse Wilson, along with running backs Joe Shorter and Demarcus Jones, have combined for five rushing touchdowns this season. Shorter had three against Pearl, and he and Jones both had more than 100 yards.

Along with an offensive line that’s emerging as a force, the running game has moved the chains and helped create opportunities for Wilson in the passing game. Wilson has three touchdown passes and no interceptions.

“I feel like we have some explosive backs, and the run game is going to be our strength,” Morgan said. “The offensive line has done a good job, and that’s a good strength to have, especially early on.”

Warren Central’s defense has also looked sharp. They held Oak Grove to three points, and Pearl to a single touchdown — which was gift-wrapped by a fumble at the WC 11-yard line — through three quarters.

The success on both sides of the ball has Morgan liking what he’s seen so far.

“Our kids have played hard for 48 minutes, and defensively we’re coming into our own,” he said. “I don’t think our identity has changed a whole lot. I feel really good about our team, and how they’ve approached the season.”

FRIDAY’S AREA GAMES

All games start at 7 p.m.

Warren Central at Vicksburg (Radio: 105.5 FM and 1490 AM)

St. Al at Madison-St. Joe (Radio: 101.3 FM)

PCA at Central Hinds (Radio: 104.5 FM)

Tallulah Academy at Unity Christian

Humphreys Academy at Rebul Academy

Port Gibson at Terry

General Trass at Madison Parish

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