VHS fell short in the final seconds in a scrimmage against Clinton

Vicksburg High School football team fell short 21-20 in the final seconds against Clinton on Friday. The Gators made a crucial comeback in the second half to compete with the Arrows.

“I’m feeling good and we had fun tonight now I’m excited and we’re going to get ready for next week,” VHS Head Coach Christopher Lacey said. We’re going to get these young guys hype and get ready to play some serious football.”

Clinton quickly scored on their first possession to go up 7-0. By the time the Gators got on offense, Ced Blackmore began bulldozing his way through the line and picking up some nice yards. VHS was eventually forced to punt but Deztin Minor knocked down some key passes on defense while Dennis Battle and Clark Thomas both grabbed sacks.

The Arrows found a way to make another big play when they scored again from a long pass to go up 14-0. That didn’t discourage the Gators as they quickly got back on their feet which led to DeCorey Knight Jr. scoring on a 35-yard run to put the score at 14-7.

Early on in the second half, Clinton’s Eric Johnson caught a 60-yard touchdown that put the Arrows up 21-6. VHS quickly responded with a 72-yard touchdown run from Knight with a huge block coming from Jakobe Smith as the Gators trailed 21-14. D. Minor also caught an interception late in the game but VHS had to settle for a punt.

As time wasn’t on VHS’ side, they needed a big play. That’s when Jadarius Henderson stepped and snagged an interception to give the Gators the ball with two minutes left to play.

VHS eventually found themselves inside the five-yard after Blackmore continued to plow his way up the middle. He then scored the next play after pushing multiple Arrows back into the end zone as the score sat at 21-20. A failed two-point conversion left the score the same but VHS fought to the very last second.

Knight led the Gators in rushing as he finished with two touchdowns. 

“We saw some good and bad things tonight but we’re going to correct them all,” Knight said.“All praises to my linemen and receivers because they all did a great job.”

The Gators will play at home next Friday in their season opener against Holmes County Central.