Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

VIDALIA , La. — The Vidalia High School Vikings played better Friday night against Marksville High School than they did a week earlier against Jena High School, but the Tigers’ ground game was too much to overcome as they defeated the Vikings 50-24.

It was not only an LHSAA District 2-3A game, but it was also Vidalia’s homecoming game at Dee Faircloth Viking Stadium. Unfortunately, Marksville was not the most gracious of guests as the majority of the touchdowns it scored was of the rushing variety.

But even in defeat, Vikings head coach Josh West said he was very pleased with the effort his players exhibited in all three phases of the game.

“We played a way better game. Offense played way better tonight. We were able to put some plays in. Our senior receiver, Marc Perkins had a kickoff return for a touchdown,” West said.

Not only that, Michael Randall Jr. had a receiving touchdown and quarterback Elmari ‘Juice’ Lewis ran for a touchdown.

And while Marksville (5-3, 2-1) was able to put up 50 points after scoring a meaningless touchdown late in the fourth quarter, West said the defense as a whole played better than it did last week in a 60-0 loss to Jena.

“They passed the ball some. They hit some big plays. But we tackled better tonight. We had a lot more tackles for loss tonight. Better effort getting to the ball,” West said. “We were only down 29-16 at halftime.”

Vidalia (2-6, 0-3) next plays at one of the top teams in District 2-3A in Bunkie High School at 7 p.m. next Friday.