VIDALIA — When the Vidalia Vikings take the field against the Ferriday Trojans Friday, Vidalia head coach Jeff Hancock will look to run it away from the “big guy.” The only problem for Hancock is Ferriday has multiple “big guys.”

“That might not leave us with anywhere to go,” Hancock said, laughing. “Primarily, we’re going to take what the defense gives us, but we’ll be mindful of where (Dare Rosenthal) is.”

Alabama commit Rosenthal enters the Vidalia matchup after having recorded nine tackles and three tackles for loss against Block High School. Ferriday defensive ends Dantrieze Scott and Samuel Johnson combined for 16 tackles in the win last Friday, giving Ferriday head coach Dwight Woods confidence he’ll be able to generate pressure.

“We expect our front four to do a great job and create pass rush for us,” Woods said. “That will give us more of a security blanket in the secondary with such a young secondary.”

The Trojans have a freshman and two sophomores starting in the defensive backfield, while veteran Ronald Davis will be out of action on the offensive side of the football for the Trojans, after suffering a concussion to Block.

“He’ll probably be cleared (today), but we won’t risk him playing,” Woods said.

While Ferriday enters the matchup at 2-0, the Vikings enter it at 1-1, with both the win and loss being separated by one point. In those two games, sophomore running back Julian Wilson has averaged approximately 200 total yards in each contest, and Hancock said Wilson’s knowledge of the running zone put him in a position to succeed.

“I always knew he could be a good player for us,” Hancock said. “He’s going to be a darn good one.”

Without Davis available, Ferriday will rely on Malik Hampton in its rushing attack. But make no mistake about it, quarterback Ronald Williams will take his shots against Vidalia’s secondary.

“Teams have been able to find some holes in their secondary,” Woods said. “We’re going to mix it up, but we’re going to be looking at some shots down the field.”

Top Ferriday target Ja’Shon Foster will enter the game after receiving interest from Florida State this week. Mississippi State has already offered.

And with Vidalia and Ferriday being one of the biggest rivalries in the area, both coaches said their team must come out mentally focused.

“We’ve been telling the kids to stay off of social media, and just to focus on the task at hand,” Woods said.

Hancock said he’s expecting his club to be fired up.

“We came out flat last week against Delhi, but this week, we’re going to be motivated,” Hancock said. “I’ve said before. it’s not a rivalry until we make it competitive, and I want to have a shot to win it at the end of the game.”

Ferriday travels to Vidalia for a 7 p.m. kick Friday.