Saying the Vidalia Vikings are well represented on the 3AA All-District team is a little like saying the Mississippi is nice-sized river.

Eight of the 16 players named to the team are from Vidalia. Viking senior Jarrett Hoffpauir was named the district’s Most Valuable Player, and Hoffpauir’s father, Johnny Lee Hoffpauir was named the team’s coach.

Not too bad, most folks would say.

Since the Vikings have won the District championship eight years in a row, most folks would point some of the credit to Coach Hoffpauir.

But he won’t take any credit.

&uot;It’s because of the kids,&uot; the 22-year Vidalia coach said. &uot;I didn’t do it. They won it. It’s just an honor that the kids put on me by playing well and winning.&uot;

Jarrett Hoffpauir made the team for his duties as shortstop as well as his time on the mound – he’s 9-0 this season including Friday’s playoff no-hitter against Jackson.

Vikings making the team including pitchers Barry Bowden and Bubba Wyles.

In the infield, Vidalia first baseman Bryan Bennett, second baseman Steven Welch and Jarrett Hoffpauir at shortstop all made the All-District team.

Outfielder Trey White along with utility players Chris Williams and Ryan Boles round out the All-District Vikings.

Hoffpauir said the most gratifying part of this season is that the team overcame the loss of six seniors from last year’s team.

&uot;I don’t think anybody in Vidalia or in the state of Louisiana thought we’d be 25-4,&uot; he said. &uot;No matter what happens in the next game, it’s been a heck of a year.

&uot;I don’t want it to end, and not just because I don’t want to lose, I just love being around these guys.&uot;

And the Vikings will get a chance Monday to keep their season alive facing South Beauregard in the second round of the state playoffs. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Vidalia.