Vidalia High School has been edged out by Delhi High School the last two seasons, losing by two and one point, respectively.

Vidalia was determined not to be on the short end again this year.

Charged by a stingy defense and the 1-2 rushing punch of Terry Brown and Josh Pace, the Vikings rolled past the Bears 48-0 Friday night.

“The defense had a tremendous effort again,” third-year Vidalia coach Jeff Hancock said. “They touched us up a bit on the back end, we gave up a few (yards), but I thought our defense responded.”

With the win, the Vikings moved to 2-0 for the first time in Hancock’s tenure.

VHS out-gained Delhi 318 yards to 177.

The Vikings led at the half 28-0.

Vidalia tallied five touchdowns rushing from four separate players en route to piling up 210 yards rushing.

“Offensively, we did a better job running the football,” Hancock said. “It’s still not where I expect it to be, but we’re getting there.”

Brown led the way with 130 yards rushing and two scores, while Pace chipped in with 63 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown.

“We exchange drives. He goes one drive, and I go the next,” Brown said. “We build each other up and make each other stronger.”

Brown missed last week’s contest after having his wisdom teeth removed. Despite the week off, the senior runner didn’t miss a beat.

“It felt good to be back with my team,” Brown said. “I couldn’t play with them last week. I just want to help my team out.

Vikings senior Jordan Mays set the tone early. The do-it-all athlete leapt high over a Delhi defender to snatch in a pass and scampered down the sideline for a 61-yard score to get the Vikings on the board on their first possession. Mays later added a 15-yard touchdown run, while also providing strong coverage from his cornerback post.

“He did a tremendous job of taking the ball away (from the defender),” Hancock said. “Jordan is not only becoming a good player, he’s also becoming a lot better person. He’s understanding that the team comes first, and if you come together, it’s amazing at what can happen. I’ve been really proud of him.”

Delhi (0-2) managed to mount just one scoring threat late in the third, driving inside the Vidalia 5-yard line. The Vikings, however, stood tall and kept the visiting Bears out of the end zone in forcing a turnover on downs.

Vidalia will now shifts its focus to Concordia Parish rival Ferriday High School next week, a squad Hancock said is the best on the Vikings’ schedule.

“If some team kicks your butt every year, it’s not really a rivalry,” Hancock said. “So we have to make it a rivalry again. Obviously this will be the most excitement heading in since I’ve been here because we’re 2-0. We know they’re good, and they’re going to be ready for us.”

One area Hancock said he’d like to see cleaned up before next week’s showdown is in the penalty department. Vidalia was flagged 13 times for 112 yards.

“That’s my fault as a head coach,” Hancock said. “We’ll get those taken care of.”