VIDALIA, La. &045; They’re survivors.

In the program they’re called the Vidalia Vikings, but after Friday’s road win over a tough Redeemer-Seton squad in the second round of the playoffs they’re more the survivor type. It was the second round last year when the Vikings’ undefeated season was derailed by Riverside, but this time things worked out for the better.

Now it’s on to the third round for the first time since 1985 for the Vikings when they host Mamou.

&uot;We just had it in our minds we weren’t going to lose that game,&uot; Vidalia senior quarterback Tony Hawkins said. &uot;That’s what happened to past Vidalia teams. They got beat in the second round, but we weren’t satisfied with just getting to the second round. We just stuck together. We knew that if we played hard we had a chance to win the game.&uot;

That’s why they’re survivors, although the plans don’t stop in third round against the Green Demons. But it was that second round last year when the second-seeded Vikings finished the regular season 10-0, blasted their first-round opponent and got stunned in the second round by a team from south Louisiana.

This time the third-seeded Vikings (12-0) went on the road to face a team from the southern part of the state and emerged victors thanks to a late score and the two-point conversion.

&uot;I tell you what &045; Redeemer was the best football team we’ve played this year,&uot; Vidalia head coach Dee Faircloth said. &uot;I’m telling you they were athletic, smart and well-coached. They came to play. But this is a different team. That was a big win. It’s tough winning in the second round. That’s the upset round. More upsets are in the second round than any round there is.&uot;

Much of what got the Vikings going was the defense again, a unit that’s been key in several games this season while the offense has piled on the points. The defense held in check an explosive Redeemer offense and had to hold tight after the Vikings took that one-point lead in the fourth quarter.

But that’s been the defense all year, and on Friday it got a chance to show how good it can be.

&uot;The defense played pretty well,&uot; linebacker Hannibal Yearby said. &uot;The offense couldn’t move the ball (at times). But we got over the hump in the second round. We won’t be able to play like that any more. We’re going to have to play harder.&uot;

The next step is the Green Demons on Friday, a team that made the third round last year in Class 1A when they were knocked out by powerhouse Kentwood. Now they’re up to 2A and on a roll after the first two games.

Mamou (9-3) knocked out Iota last week, 26-7, after falling to the Bulldogs during the regular season. The Green Demons were able to capitalize on some key Iota turnovers for some quick scores for the lead.

It’s the Vidalia defense that may get tested Friday against a Mamou offense that’s got some weapons. The offense features a running game with Andre Doucet at fullback and Nip LaRose at running back &045; the two combined for all three scores against Iota.

&uot;(The defense) is playing extremely well,&uot; Faircloth said. &uot;The defense won the ball game for us the other night. The offense tried to give it away, but the defense won it for us. The offensive line didn’t block very well. We’ll go as far as our offensive line will carry us, and I told them that at the beginning of the year.

&uot;This is (Mamous’) fourth year in a row to be in the quarterfinals. So this is familiar territory for them. Coach (Joel) Desselle does a great job of coaching. Their kids are well-disciplined and technique-sound. It’s going to be a chore and a half to beat them.&uot;

The Green Demon offense can be balanced, and the offense has three receivers behind quarterback Nick Francois.

&uot;It’s always tough when kids are out for Thanksgiving and out with their families,&uot; Faircloth said. &uot;It’s tough to get them focused, but we had a pretty good practice (Monday). Hopefully they’ll be ready. There’s not but eight teams left, and after Friday there won’t be but four. It’s tough to get (to the championship). You’ve got to be lucky to get there.&uot;