Tigers protect win streak, dynasty

By Myra Bean

VICKSBURG – Though some cracks were found in its veneer, the foundation of the South Panola Tigers remained solid.

The Tiger “dynasty” remains intact as South Panola held off a determined Warren Central Viking team, 31-18, in the first game of the Red Carpet Bowl Thursday night.

One of the cracks was a 70-yard kickoff return by the Viking’s Benwau Caple, which followed a Viking safety.

In his post game interview, first year coach Lance Pogue acknowledge the problems. He said he thought the kickoff team was ready to go but that proved they had some work to do.

Pogue directed the Tigers to their 61st consecutive win while getting his first win as the Tiger coach.

South Panola’s leading scorer for the evening was tailback Darius “Tig” Barksdale with 261 yards on 31 carries. Barksdale scored two touchdowns on runs of three and one yards, respectively.

Junior quarterback David Renfroe completed six of 11 passes for 58 yards, had one touchdown, kicked a field goal and was four of four extra point kicks.

Though it was hot, humid and muggy, the tempers of the fans were probably hotter as South Panola was hit with 12 penalties with a loss of 101 yards, while Warren Central was only hit with four penalties for 28 yards.

The mistakes the Tigers committed in this game will have to be worked on starting with practice at 8:30 Monday morning, Pogue said.

“We obviously have to have a better effort next week,” he said. “We have work to do. We have a big time game in Batesville next week.”

South Panola, No. 1 state-ranked team, will be taking on the No. 2 team in the state, Clarksdale on Friday.

Clarksdale played Vicksburg at the Red Carpet Bowl Friday night.

At the end of the game, South Panola was presented with the Red Carpet Bowl trophy.

The players said after the presentation that particular trophy was going in the field house.

The Tigers ground out 323 rushing yards and held the Vikings to a  minus 15 rushing yards.

In the air, the Vikings had 76 yards to the Tigers 58 yards. South Panola had 381 total offensive yards whiel the Vikings had 61.