Vidalia High School’s loss to Bolton last week is a blemish on an otherwise strong start.

The Vikings started 0-1 in district play, and Vikings head coach Jeff Hancock said the loss to then 0-3 Bolton was a game his team let slip away early.

“We came out flat,” Hancock said. “We made too many mistakes. We lost to a team we should have beaten. That’s on me.”

The Vikings are back at home against a Avoyelles, which is also 0-1 at the start of district.

Hancock said it’s hard to tell the margin of difference between the top and bottom teams in District 3-3A after just one game, but perhaps last week is evidence the district’s rebuilding schools are closing in on the top tier.

“I think (the district) is probably getting more balanced,” Hancock said. “Two years ago, there was some discrepancy.”

Vidalia has had a week to shake off its district opener, and seeks to avenge a 50-point loss from last season in which Avoyelles posted 70 points against the Vidalia defense.

“You have to let it go; whether you’re ready or not, the next team is showing up (Friday) to play us,” Hancock said.“