VIDALIA — In Vidalia High School’s final game of the season, Vikings head coach Dee Faircloth will face off against a school coached by one of his former players.

Vidalia will travel to Jena High School to face a team that, like itself, has struggled this season.

“Jena’s had a down year,” Faircloth said. “Bernie Cooley, one of my great centers from years ago, has put a lot of discipline into the program. He’s (kicked) some players (off the team), because they didn’t want to do right, and they’re 1-9 on the season.”

Vidalia will also be missing some players Friday, but not because of attrition.

“Last week against Marksville, we had several starters out. Our first- and second-team tailbacks were out due to illness. John Brixey, who plays offensive and defensive tackle for us, pulled a hamstring against Bunkie (High School). It popped like a gun.

“Van Thompson, our nose guard, rolled his ankle in that game, too. Neither Thompson nor Brixey will play this week.”

The Vikings’ game against Marksville was one to forget. Vidalia lost 30-14 to fall to 3-6 on the season, and 2-3 in district play. Any slim chances that the Vikings had of sneaking into the playoffs ended with the loss.

“The conditions (in the game) were terrible,” Faircloth said. “It rained all night. The only thing that saved us was that it wasn’t freezing cold. It would have been even more miserable if it was cold.”

The loss to Bunkie had a huge effect on his players’ morale, Faircloth said.

“Bunkie’s going to win district. Ain’t that something? We had them by the throat. That’s football for you. It’s the second year in a row that we’ve had the district champions by the throat, and let them go.

“We’re just not lucky. That’s why I don’t go to the boat. I’d lose my shirt.”

Faircloth added that he’s hoping his team will put the tough feelings for the season aside so the seniors can go out with a win.

“I told them that they will remember every play of their last game, good or bad,” Faircloth said. “Hopefully they’ll go out on a high note.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday.