It wasn’t pretty. It won’t raise any eyebrows around the state. But it still counted in the standings, and the Vicksburg Gators will take that all day long.

Ronnie Alexander scored on a quarterback sneak in the first quarter, Johnny Smith had a 35-yard touchdown run in the fourth, and the Gators gutted out a tough 14-6 win over Provine on Friday to remain undefeated in MHSAA Region 2-5A.

“Provine played a really good game,” Vicksburg coach Todd McDaniel said. “I thought we would put up a few more points and they had a good game plan. But we’re 4-0 in the district and that’s what’s important.”

Alexander’s touchdown and a two-point conversion run by Malik Montgomery staked the Gators to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter. Then they didn’t score again until Smith’s touchdown with about eight minutes left in the game.

Provine got a touchdown of its own with about 2:30 remaining to make it a one-score game, but Vicksburg was able to hold on.

“Our defense played extremely well,” McDaniel said. “They gave up a touchdown late, but it didn’t matter. They are a good football unit. Hopefully my offense can give them a break and put some more points on the board.”

Vicksburg will have a short week to figure things out. It plays Callaway at home next Thursday at 7 p.m.