The playoff scenario for Warren Central is pretty simple this week. Win, and they’re in. Lose and, well, maybe they’re still in. But win and they’re definitely in. No ifs, ands or buts.

Warren Central (4-5, 3-3 Region 2-6A) hosts Provine (3-8, 1-6) in the regular-season finale Friday night at Viking Stadium. It will clinch the fourth and final playoff berth in Region 2-6A with a victory, and bring a satisfying conclusion to a season that has been surprisingly difficult.

The Vikings have suffered two home losses in the final minute, lost a chance at another victory because of severe weather, and will need a win Friday and at least one more in the playoffs just to avoid their first losing record since 2011.

“Even after all of the ups and downs, it’s really simple for us. We have to win and we’re in. That’s a good position to be in. It could be a lot worse,” Warren Central coach Josh Morgan said.

Although Provine has struggled this season and is eliminated from playoff contention, getting that final victory won’t be easy. The Rams have several talented players led by De’Monte Russell. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound defensive end has 10 tackles for loss this season, was selected to play in the Under Armour All-American Game, and has received scholarship offers from a half-dozen Southeastern Conference programs. He’s rated a four-star recruit by ESPN.com and has committed to Mississippi State.

Provine also has a pair of solid running backs with Anthony Davis II (672 yards, seven touchdowns) and Marktavius Reed (646 yards, three TDs) powering the offense.

“He’s (Russell) a good player. He’s had a lot of accolades early on. He’s one of many good players that they have,” Morgan said. “They look good. They’ll be bigger and faster than us and have a very good looking team.”

Warren Central is also coming into the game at less than full strength. The running back corps has been banged up, and last week starting quarterback Antonio Thompson suffered a sprained ankle late in a 38-17 loss to Starkville.

If Thompson is unable to play against Provine, Parker Kivett will get his first extended playing time of the season. Kivett started the season as the third-stringer but moved up the depth chart when Shane Lewis tore his ACL in September. Kivett, a junior, is 5-of-13 passing for 71 yards this season, with half of his attempts coming in a blowout win over Greenville on Sept. 28.

Morgan said the Vikings simply have to shake off the injuries and soldier on.

“We can’t worry about what we don’t have. We have to win with what we have,” he said. “We have to find a way to win and to overcome.”

If the Vikings can do that, they’ll qualify for the Class 6A playoffs for the seventh consecutive season and earn a date with undefeated Region 1-6A champion Horn Lake (10-0) next week. They can also back into the playoffs if they lose, as long as Starkville (9-1) beats Clinton (7-3) on Friday night.

“Everything we’ve worked for comes down to this game,” Morgan said. “Hopefully we’re mature enough and experienced enough to understand the importance of this game.”