VIDALIA — Vidalia and Pearl River both fought for their first win of the season Friday night, but it was by the legs and arm of Caleb Vines that the Vikings came out victorious.

Offensively, Vines contributed to two of Vidalia’s four touchdowns as the Vikings dominated the Rebels, 27-7. Defensively, Vines delivered many big hits and made a few crucial one-on-one tackles.

Vines broke for huge gains out of the option and blazed by defenders for 79 yards on just six carries. Vines’ two touchdown passes became vital to the teams first win of the season.

“Caleb ran the option really well. He hit the seams. We’re executing better,” coach Gary Parnham said. “This is our first year in this offense and the kids are starting to grasp it.”

Not only did Vidalia’s offense show up, but the defense came ready to play as well.

“This is one of the best defensive games we’ve played. We showed up for four quarters,” Parnham said.

Vidalia’s defense, which was often in the backfield soon after the snap, held the Rebels to just 31 rushing yards on 27 carries. The Vidalia defensive line was penetrating the gaps well and the linebackers and safeties were delivered big hits on the ball carriers.

Pearl River’s quarterback, Chase Moore, was running for his life on the few passing attempts he made. Jamale Davis intercepted Moore in the third quarter, returning the ball 51 yards. The interception set up a 4-yard touchdown run by DJ Polk. Also, Reggie Reynolds came away with a sack on Moore when he bootlegged to his right in the fourth quarter.

Failed fourth down attempts and penalties hindered the rebel offense, as well as poor punts. Throughout the game, the ball was mostly in Pearl River’s territory, giving the field position edge to Vidalia.

Pearl River avoided the shutout in the fourth quarter by returning a fumble 35 yards for a score on a center to quarterback exchange miscue.

“The game should have been 27-0,” Parnham said. “Our defense played great.”

Vidalia could have actually put more points on the board had Tri McCoy’s 55-yard screen pass from Vines not been called back by a clipping penalty in the first half.