Gators advance to the second round of the playoffs after defeating Cleveland Central

Vicksburg High School football will advance to the second round of the playoffs for the second year in a row after defeating Cleveland Central 36-14 on Friday.

The Wolves popped things off with a huge kickoff return that advanced to the Gators’ 22 yard line. CC scored on the next play from a 22-yard pass to go up 6-0.

VHS responded with some hard running from Malik Montgomery before DeCorey Knight Jr. broke out for a 40-yard touchdown. Montgomery rushed for the two-point conversion as the Gators went up 8-6.

DeCorey Knight Jr: Photo by Keith Phillips

As the Gators went back on defense, Caleb Bryant chased down CC’s quarterback which eventually resulted in a punt.

Shortly before the end of the first quarter, Johnny Smith broke out on a 45-yard run and Montgomery would score on the first play of the second quarter along with getting a two point conversion that put VHS up 16-6.

Nick Mickey stepped up on defense with a big hit on the Wolves’ wide receiver as they went on to punt the ball.

It wouldn’t take long for VHS to to score again as Montgomery broke out for over 60 yards to give the Gators a 22-6 lead with 8:14 left in the half.

The Gators would recover two fumbles between that touchdown and halftime but neither resulted in scores as both teams went into the half.

VHS football: Photo by Keith Phillips

By halftime Montgomery had an impressive 96 yards rushing with two touchdowns.

Coming out of halftime, the Gators would score from a pick 6 by Kearris Gilliam but it was called back due to penalty and VHS would soon block a punt and gain good field position.

With 2:26 left in the third quarter, Knight broke for 49-yard touchdown to put things at 28-6.

Smith would extend the Gators’ lead after he broke out for a 49-yard touchdown to put VHS up 36-6. Wally Curry also continued to make big defensive stops by shooting gaps all night. Dennis Battle also blasted CC’s quarterback late in the game.

VHS would go on to win 36-14 after CC scored late in the game.

The Gators will hit the road next Friday and travel to face Callaway.