Vidalia desperately needs a win

Published 12:33 am Thursday, October 18, 2007

VIDALIA — Once again, the Vidalia Vikings will try to get on the winning track this week as they travel to play the Buckeye Panthers in a district game.

Vidalia (3-4, 0-2 District 3-3A) is coming off of its worst loss of the year, a 32-0 defeat to Marksville.

The Vikings were shut out for the first time this season and only had 84 yards of total offense.

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Vidalia did not complete a pass in that game and threw two interceptions.

“We have to get our heads on straight,” Vidalia coach Dee Faircloth said.

Vidalia will be without starting quarterback Brandon Hawkins for the third straight week.

Trey Barnes and Mason Osburne will both see playing time at the position.

The Vikings need a win in order to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Vidalia is currently No. 36 in the Power Ratings.

Teams must be ranked in the top 32 in order to be eligible for the playoffs.

“The seniors need to step up,” Faircloth said. “We need these last three games.”

The Buckeye Panthers (3-4) are also looking to get back in the win column, losing last week to Bunkie 21-14.

“Buckeye can pound the ball,” Faircloth said. “They have the leading rusher in Central Louisiana.

“Their quarterback is an outstanding athlete,” Faircloth added.

The Panthers are No. 38 in the Power Ratings.

The game is set for Friday at 7 p.m. in Buckeye.