The Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers proved why they are one of the favorites in the Class 2A state playoffs as they defeated the Ferriday Trojans 64-48 Friday night in the bi-district round.

While Ferriday’s offense seemed to be stuck in neutral in the first three quarters, its defense could not slow down the Tigers, especially the combination of Donald Qualls and Chris Lewis

The Trojans scored 11 points in each of the first three quarters. The Tigers, on the other hand, scored 14, 15 and 20 points, respectively to take a commanding 49-33 lead.

Once Ferriday’s offense finally got going, it was too late and its season was over. Montario Tennessee had 17 points to lead the Trojans, which finished with a 14-15 record.

Ferriday got into the playoffs as a wild-card team after finishing in third place in District 4-2A.

Qualls finished with 23 points and Lewis had 17 points for Jonesboro-Hodge, the District 2-2A champion and ranked No. 3 in Class 2A. The Tigers improved to 29-4 overall and advanced to the regional round. They will take on the winner of the Many-Springhill game next Tuesday.

Vidalia boys 59, Lakeside 56

SIBLEY, La. — Brandon Hawkins scored 21 points and Quartrell Thomas had 12 points as the Vikings held on for a three-point win over the Rebels in the bi-district round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

The Vikings won the game by outscoring the Rebels 21-18 in the fourth quarter after blowing an 11-point lead after one quarter of play. Gary Stewart chipped with 11 points for the Vikings

Vidalia, the District 4-2A No. 2 seed, improved to 16-11 overall and will take on the winner of the North Caddo-Red River game next Tuesday at 7 p.m. Whether the Vikings will be at home or on the road remains to be seen.

Vidalia jumped to a 17-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. But Lakeside, the No. 2 seed out of District 1-2A despite a 9-19 record, played solid defense during the second and third quarters and by the time the third quarter was over, the game was tied at 38-38.

Lakeside’s Samuel Wallace led all scorers with 26 points and Damarcus Taylor had 21 points.