Vidalia High School has been within arms reach of topping Delhi High School the last two seasons.

The Vikings fell to the Bears at home 14-12 in 2014 before coming up just short last year on the road, 32-31.

Third-year Vidalia coach Jeff Hancock said he expects another close game today when the Vikings host the Bears.

“It’s becoming quite the rivalry,” Hancock said. “They have a bunch of athletic kids, a new coach, and they’re doing things the right way.”

Just as they did last year, Vidalia enters the showdown 1-0, but Hancock said he’s seen a new level of focus from this year’s squad compared to last year.

“They were a proud to be 1-0 last year,” he said. “But you have to learn how to win. It may be a cliché, but it’s true.”

Spring boarded by a strong defensive effort last week, Vidalia cruised past Sicily Island 49-6.

The Vikings held the Tigers to just 66 second-half yards and forced six turnovers for the game.

“They’re a year older this year, and they’re attacking and getting to the ball carrier,” Hancock said of his defense. “They’re taking and ownership in everything they do, and that’s the biggest thing.”

A win today will give the Vikings their first 2-0 mark in Hancock’s short tenure, and the school’s first since the 2013 campaign.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.