VICKSBURG GATORS

Class 4-A, Region 3

2007 Record: 6-5 overall, 4-3 in district - lost in 1st round to West Point

Key Losses: RB/DB Delmon Robinson (MSU signee), QB Stanton Price, WR John Qualls

Head Coach: Alonzo Stevens (entering 8th season)

Vicksburg Offense: The Gators will run a form of the spread offense so Coach Stevens can put his fastest players on the field. Les "Showtime" Lemons will take over at quarterback for the departed Stanton Price. It may be a tough task to replace Price, as he threw for 1,680 yards last season. Behind Lemons, FB Jeremy Hamlin will look to improve on last season's totals of 529 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. 6'2" Kurt Cooksey returns to his tight end position and will help Lemons open up the passing game. Offensive lineman Jarvis Holmes will stabilize the offense with his 6'3", 298 lb. frame paving the way.

Vicksburg Defense: With a multiple-look defense ranging from the 3-5-3 look to the 3-4 setup, the Gators will rely on leading tackler LB Carlos Williams and DL Emmanuel Lofton to stuff the run up the middle. If they can stop the run, Coach Stevens will surely use Williams to blitz the quarterback every chance he can. Linebacker William Henderson will assist Williams from his spot in the defensive backfield.

Vicksburg Notable Games: The season begins with a much-talked about game against South Panola in the Red Carpet Bowl. If Vicksburg can survive the fight against South Panola, Warren Central comes calling in a game Coach Stevens likened to a family feud. Hazlehurst, Callaway and Yazoo City make the schedule that much tougher for the Gators.

Coach's Key To Victory: Coach Stevens believes the offense will not have any problems excelling this season as long as they stay away from committing turnovers. With a senior-laden ball club, the coaches will stress on the defensive players to keep it simple and make adjustments quickly. If the Gators can pull off the upset of the season in week one against South Panola, an improvement over last season's 6-5 record is definitely within reach.

Vicksburg Schedule

Aug. 29          South Panola**            Home

Sept. 5           Warren Central            Home

Sept. 12         Hazlehurst                    Away

Sept. 19         Callaway*                     Away

Sept. 26         Pearl*                           Home

Oct. 3             Yazoo City*                  Away

Oct. 10           Yazoo County*             Home

Oct.  17          Lanier*                          Away

Oct. 24           Canton*                         Away

Oct. 31           Ridgeland*                    Home

*denotes district game 

**Red Carpet Bowl played at Vicksburg High School