Warren Central’s Carleton Davis crosses the goal line in front of two Forest Hill defenders during the Vikings’ 45-3 win over the Rebels on Friday. (Jon GiffinThe Vicksburg Post)

[10/1/04]Most of Warren Central’s games this season have been leisurely affairs, decisive victories that provided the Vikings with few problems.

Tonight’s matchup with Greenville-Weston could be another such game, except for one big problem the Hornets’ massive size. Greenville averages nearly 290 pounds per man across its offensive line and 235 pounds on its defensive front, presenting WC with a mountainous challenge.

“We’re always undersized. We don’t really oversize anybody, but we’re all really strong,” WC offensive lineman Chris Stauts said.

While WC’s strength has helped it to a 4-1 record (1-0 in Region 2-5A), Greenville’s size has not translated to the win column. Greenville is 0-5 against a grueling schedule that includes perennial Class 4A power Clarksdale and defending Class 5A state champion South Panola.

Three of the Hornets’ losses have been decided by eight points or less, however, and the Vikings aren’t about to look past them to next week’s rivalry game against Madison Central.

“The coaches aren’t overlooking them. We’re going to have to show up with the A-team and play offense, defense and special teams,” WC coach Curtis Brewer said. “Greenville has too much raw talent on the field not to play hard.”

Gearing up for weaker teams hasn’t been a problem so far for the Vikings. Of their first five opponents, only South Pike (5-0) has a winning record. WC has beaten the other four teams by an average of 38 points. In their last two games, the Vikings have outscored Natchez and Forest Hill 108-9.

The lopsided wins have been helpful to Brewer and his staff, giving them a chance to evaluate young players who might not see the field otherwise. It also works against them, though, because the first-teamers don’t get as many snaps as they might need.

“We’re getting better, but we’ve still got a lot of bolts and nuts to tighten and adjust,” Brewer said. “When you’re playing the games we’ve played the last two weeks, you don’t want to get a false sense of security. In a tight ballgame, you want them ready to play all four quarters.”