By Ernest Bowker

The Vicksburg Post

In high school football, having a kicker who can consistently make extra points and field goals is a valuable asset.

Unexpectedly, Warren Central discovered that it had two on the roster.

Since being thrust into the lineup in late September, junior Hank Holdiness has made 24 consecutive PAT attempts and is 5-for-8 on field goals. He kicked three field goals last week in a 30-13 playoff win over Tupelo.

His performance has shored up one of the most volatile positions on the roster and given the Vikings some confidence with their kicking game.

“He’s done a good job,” Warren Central coach Josh Morgan said. “Points are at a premium this time of year. We challenge our special teams to do their part. You have to convert and finish drives, and we were able to do that with our kicking game.”

Holdiness started the season as Warren Central’s kickoff specialist — he has 10 touchbacks on 57 kickoffs this season — but assumed the place kicking duties when starter John William Madison suffered a pulled quadriceps muscle prior to the game against Greenville on Sept. 29.

Madison was 18-for-18 on extra points and 2-for-4 on field goals, including a 46-yarder against Northwest Rankin.

Holdiness, however, picked up right where Madison left off. Since having a PAT blocked against Greenville in his debut, he has made every attempt. His best game came last week against Tupelo, when he went 3-for-3 on PATs and added three field goals of 24, 23 and a season-best 40 yards.

“Coach Josh has been getting on me about it. He says, ‘Hank, it’s your turn. You’ve got to step up and be a leader here. So that’s what I’ve been putting through my head before every kick,” Holdiness said. “It was just kind of random, with (Madison) getting hurt. I was waiting on my time and that was it. I was excited to get a chance.”

All three of his field goals against Tupelo came in the second quarter and helped the Vikings get out to a 16-0 halftime lead when the offense was having a hard time finishing drives.

“It feels good, because it can always come down to a kick. And when you make the big ones like that, you always feel good,” Holdiness said.

One of the few blemishes on Holdiness’ record this season came Oct. 6 against Madison Central. He made two field goals, but missed a 38-yard attempt at the end of regulation that would have won the game. Madison Central went on to win 31-27 in double overtime.

Holdiness admitted that the miss has been on his mind this week, as Warren Central (9-3) and Madison Central (10-2) prepare for a rematch in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs Friday at 7 p.m. at Viking Stadium.

“My mom told me we’re going to get them again, and when you do, take your chance,” Holdiness said.

Morgan was hopeful it wouldn’t come down to that. He and the Vikings would certainly like a more comfortable victory on Friday night. Considering the last six games in the WC-Madison Central series have been decided by seven points or less, however, it’s not an improbable scenario — and if it does come to that, Morgan has confidence that Holdiness can handle the pressure.

“It’s a next man up philosophy, and we’ve been fortunate to have him as the next man,” Morgan said. “We’ve put him in pressure situations and were able to go to the next man with confidence.”