FERRIDAY, La. — Ferriday High junior running back Corey Gordon wasn’t feeling too well early in the week last week, missing three days of practice because of the flu.

Vinton High was feeling much better after Gordon rushed for 182 yards on 27 carries to lead the Trojans to a 36-31 Class 2A first round win over the Lions.

&uot;All of the rest I had early kind of built up, I knew I had to come out and play hard,&uot;&160;Gordon said as the Trojans prepared for their second round contest against Many Friday in Ferriday. &uot;It was exciting. My offensive line helped me pull through. They did one of their best jobs.

Gordon said he actually had a vision of his 42-yard touchdown run against Vinton.

&uot;I had a dream I would break a long run,&uot; he said. &uot;Hopefully I’ll have another one this week.&uot;

The 5-foot-8, 175-pound Gordon earned the starting tailback job at Ferriday as a freshman and rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

Last year, he slumped a bit as the Trojans struggled through a 4-6 season.

This year Ferriday is 7-4, finishing second to Vidalia in District 3-2A.

&uot;I set a goal that I was going to work harder this year and get back to where I was my freshman year,&uot; Gordon said. &uot;So far it’s been satisfying.&uot;

Gordon said he patterns his running after his cousin and former 1,000-yard Ferriday running back Otis Bates. He even wears No. 2, the same number Bates wore.

&uot;I watched him a lot,&uot; Gordon said. &uot;I liked the way he ran the ball.&uot;

Which is kind of the same slashing style Gordon uses. Not that he avoids contact.

&uot;I like getting mean and down in the dirt and everything else,&uot;&160;Gordon said.

Gordon said one big difference between this year and last year is that the Trojans are more balanced.

&uot;I think we showed other teams we have a tremendous offense,&uot; he said.

Gordon said starting as a freshman was tough.

&uot;I had to get used to the offense and the plays,&uot; Gordon said. &uot;But I think it helped me out. Now I see myself as a true running back.&uot;

Gordon, who enjoys working with computers, has received letters from several schools, including Alabama.

&uot;Hopefully I can get a college scholarship and continue playing football,&uot; he said.

Right now Gordon said he is happy to be in the playoffs.

&uot;It’s like the Bayou Classic when Grambling and Southern get together,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s very exciting.&uot;