OHS Hosts Warren Central in First Round of State Playoffs

Judson Scott
Hottytoddy.com Intern
jcscott5@go.olemiss.edu

The Oxford Chargers warm up during pre-game. Photo by Adam Brown.

It’s playoff football time in Mississippi and the Oxford Chargers are set to host the Warren Central High School Vikings in the first round of the 6A state playoffs Friday night at 7 p.m.

The Chargers come into the first round of the playoffs at 10-1 on the season, winning nine straight games after an early loss to Starkville High School. The Chargers capped off the regular season last Friday with a 14-3 win at Tupelo High School in frigid conditions. 

Warren Central comes limping into this game after they lost two of their last three for a regular-season record of 6-5. However, playoff football means teams get a clean slate.

Oxford will need to stop a very balanced Warren Central team that averages 137.7 passing yards per game and 134.4 rushing yards per game.

The Vikings are led by senior quarterback Parker Kivett and junior running back Kentrick Thompson. Kivett averages 135 yards in the air per game while his teammate averages 53.6 yards. 

Oxford will need to continue to rely on their potent defense—led by leading tackler Kiyon Williams—that has tallied 27 sacks and 14 interceptions in just 11 games. Offensive players like quarterback John Meagher and utility man J.J. Pegues will need to step up this week if Oxford wants to advance to the second round.

Chris Cutcliffe, head coach for the Oxford Chargers, spoke about what his team will do to prepare for a tough Warren Central club.

“We will be conducting practice as usual this week,” Cutcliffe said. “Our routine is well established this late in the season, so we will continue to try to get better every day on the practice field. We have a big challenge this week from an outstanding Warren Central team so we will need to be prepared to play our best football.”

With a win, Oxford would face either South Panola or Tupelo High School on Friday, Nov. 22.

South Panola is the clear favorite, but Tupelo should not be taken for granted. One loss and the Charger’s historic season will come to a close, while a win takes them one step closer to their ultimate goal of a state championship.