VIDALIA — Opposing teams that have ventured into Vidalia High School’s gym have done so at their own risk, especially during the playoffs.

Because once they do enter the cramped quarters of the Vikings’ gym, they are greeted with fans that are right on top of the court and a student section that is as loud and boisterous as any in the state.

“We like to try and get into the heads of some of the opposing players and coach,” Vidalia senior Josh Welch said. “If they get into a rhythm we try to throw them off. We like to be loud to help our team.”

And it was that enthusiasm that Vidalia players said have helped them perform their best throughout the season.

“The fans have really been doing their part to cheer us on,” Vidalia senior Quartrell Thomas said. “It really motivates us to play hard. Without them, I don’t think we’d be as good as we are now.”

In fact, Thomas said the crowd was a big part in Vidalia’s win over Rayville in the quarterfinals, in which the Vikings had to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit to reach the Top 28 Tournament.

“Even when we got down eight points, they kept cheering us on,” Thomas said. “They continued to give us faith that we were going to come back and win the game.”

Welch said the fans never gave up hope that the team would come back.

“Rayville had the lead for a while, and normally fans might sit down,” Welch said. “But we kept chanting and cheering for them. We knew we could win the game, and we had to stay behind the team.”

Cody Allen, who is also a senior at Vidalia High, said there is a strong connection between the team and its fans.

“It’s like we are a part of the team,” Allen said. “(The players) are a really good group of guys and it feels good to help them out.”

And that doesn’t just include home games. A good number of Vidalia fans also travel and cheer on the Vikings in road games.

“A lot of times when we go to the away games, we are louder than the home team’s fans,” Allen said.

And now that the Vikings have made it back to the Top 28 Tournament in Lafayette, Vidalia fans are ready for one more road trip.

“I know there is a fan charter bus that’s leaving from the school, and I know several other students who are taking separate cars,” Welch said. “We should have a lot of fans there.”

Vidalia was well-represented last year, but Welch hopes even more Viking fans are in attendance this year.

“Last year was great, and I think the fact that we went last year and everybody saw how fun it was will make them go back,” Welch said. “Hopefully the fact that we lost (in the championship game) last year will motivate more fans to come and push them through and try to get that ring.”

Thomas, for one, expects to see a large contingent of Vidalia fans cheering on the Vikings at tonight’s game.

“I expect the whole city of Vidalia to be there,” Thomas said. “It’s going to be exciting.”