Lanier defeats Vicksburg 32-8 in regular season finale; Gators head to playoffs

JACKSON, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg High School fell 32-8 to Lanier in their regular season finale on Thursday night. The Gators battled throughout but were unable to overcome a strong second-half surge from the Bulldogs.

The first half proved to be a defensive battle between both teams. Vicksburg defenders Donovin Brown and TeJay McKinney made key third-down stops to stall Lanier drives. However, the Bulldogs eventually broke through with a 7-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter to take a 6-0 lead.

Vicksburg’s Nick Carson responded with a 25-yard run near the end of the first quarter, but the Gators couldn’t capitalize. The defense continued to show fight in the second quarter when Jaylen Smith recovered a fumble on the 28-yard line. Running back Jadarius Henderson also provided a spark with a 36-yard run, but a late sack by the Bulldogs kept the score 6-0 at halftime.

Lanier extended its lead in the third quarter with a 45-yard touchdown run and later added a fumble return for a score to go up 18-0. The Gators got on the board in the fourth quarter when quarterback Deonta “TJ” Selvy connected with Thomas McKnight for an 80-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Selvy later found Jermaine Gaines Jr. on a 16-yard completion.

Lanier sealed the win with two more rushing touchdowns in the final minutes.

Despite the loss, Vicksburg qualified for the postseason and will travel to face No. 1-ranked West Point next Friday in the opening round of the playoffs.