VIDALIA — After three days of bad weather, the Vidalia Vikings are looking to get back in a groove before next Thursday’s scrimmage at Jena.

“The rain really hurt us this week,” Vidalia head coach Dee Faircloth said. “We practiced in the gym some, but that’s not where we wanted to be.”

Faircloth noted that this year’s team is in excellent physical shape.

“These guys have worked their tails off,” Faircloth said. “This team is in better shape than some of my recent teams.”

The Vikings practiced on their field for the first time this week Thursday and got back out Friday to do some more drills, primarily on offense.

“We have some more things to work on with our offense,” Faircloth said. “The spread definitely involves a lot of good timing.”

Faircloth said that sophomore quarterback Caleb Vines has improved along with most of his offensive line.

“Everybody has done a good job out here and I think our offensive line has worked extremely well,” Faircloth said. “I’m just glad that we are finally out of the gym.”

Junior John Brixey, senior Marvin Payne, and sophomore Reggie Reynolds are just a few of the players Faircloth mentioned as preseason standouts based on recent practices.

Vidalia is primarily a young team, but physical shape and hard work seem impressed Faircloth.

“We just need the rain to hold off,” Faircloth said.

“I know the farmers need it, but we sure don’t.”