The atmosphere for Vidalia vs. Sicily Island felt like a high school playoff game Friday night.

Viking fans were loud and nonstop, mostly because they were peeved with calls from referees. Topple that with the misfortune that has lasted multiple seasons for the Vikings (Vidalia has recorded a 5-45 record in the last five seasons), and you can picture the scene — players, coaches and fans on the edge, yearning to get that coveted win.

That’s why Vidalia’s 27-26 victory against Sicily Island was as important as any playoff game the Vikings will play in down the road.

Sicily Island, though talented with several skill players (get used to hearing the name Tyreke Tolliver), wasn’t the flashiest opponent. After all, this is the Tigers’ first varsity football season since 2001, and head coach Stephen Collins only has roughly 30 players dressing out, some of which have never played football before. Vidalia head coach Jeff Hancock can sympathize. A year ago, he was in the same position with instrumental seniors that had never played football before. Friday night, some of those previous seniors were in attendance, clamoring to see if the Vikings could take the next step after Vidalia’s slate was wiped clean with an 0-10 season in 2014.

Thus, the intensity on the field magnified. The Vikings defense, though having given up big passing plays to the Tigers with busted coverages throughout the night, played tough, swarming to the football and delivering rattling blows that had to give defensive coordinator Dee Faircloth glimpses of his past defense, if only for a second.

And while sloppy play occurred — pretty much what you’d expect from a season opener — both Sicily Island and Vidalia dazzled. Tolliver, for instance, ran across the field from his safety position and made a one-handed interception in the end zone on what looked to be a touchdown pass from Vidalia’s Tristan Weatherly. Speaking of Weatherly, the statistics will tell you the freshman wasn’t efficient in his first start (completing less than 50 percent of his passes), but Weatherly showed that he’s a solid foundation to build around by threading the needle in the end zone with a touchdown pass to Josh Pace.

Undoubtedly, though, the star of the night was Julian Wilson, who probably shook every member of the Sicily Island defense at one point during the night. I’ve been singing Wilson’s praises since I saw him as a freshman last season, and with his slick moves and ability to keep his balance and pad level low, Wilson showed Friday that he’s more than capable of slipping past defenders. Wilson finished the night with 160 rushing yards and a score.

So what does Vidalia’s win ultimately mean in the short term? Well, not a whole lot, honestly. A 3A team beating a 1A team isn’t going to stop the presses anywhere in the state, but for the kids and for the community, this is a win that can rejuvenate a community.

With four minutes remaining, and Sicily Island down only one, Vidalia matured before my very eyes. The Vikings made plays when they had to, getting one first down after another before being able to take the victory formation for the first time in roughly two years.

Hancock wouldn’t admit it, but I could see it in his eyes, this win was a huge monkey off of his back. He breathed a long sigh of relief, as the players celebrated the victory.

In talking to Faircloth before the game, I asked the long-time Vidalia head coach how he felt about the contest, and he replied, “You never know with high school kids. They can play like hell or they can look like hell. They don’t know how to win yet.”

They learned in a high-pressure situation. With a hard-fought victory in Sicily Island, the Vikings got a taste of what it’s like to be on the winning side of Friday nights.

It’s a nice first step for what Hancock and Faircloth are setting out to accomplish at Vidalia.

 

JAKE MARTIN is the sports editor for The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3633 or jake.martin@natchezdemocrat.com.