It’s time to see what the Tarboro Vikings are made of.

Tonight, the No. 2 ranked Vikings will travel to No. 6 ranked Kinston and put their undefeated season on the line in a critical game in the Eastern Plain Conference. It could be one of the best match-ups in the state this week, and that’s just half of the story. Next week, the Vikings will have another tough game against EPC foe and county rival SouthWest Edgecombe.

Also tonight, the SouthWest Edgecombe Cougars will travel to North Pitt, and North Edgecombe will host Kipp Pride.

Vikings Coach Jeff Craddock, I know, is not even thinking about the Cougars matchup today. However, if the Vikings beat Kinston, next week’s game will add extra luster to a match-up already deemed as the next-best-thing to a state championship game.

The undefeated Cougars, who beat Kinston 28-13 in Week 6, have a vested interest in this game also. If Kinston (7-1, 4-1) wins, the Cougars will take over sole possession of first place in the EPC.

But first things first. The Vikings must handle their business tonight.

Last week, for the first time all season, the Vikings’ offense showed some weakness. Against Greene Central, Tarboro came in the game averaging well over 300 yards per game and over 30 points. The Rams held them to just 259 yards and 21 points, and only one touchdown in the first half for Tarboro.

Craddock was obviously delighted about the victory, but said after the game, “We have to play better than we played tonight against Kinston.”

Knowing Craddock, you can bet your bottom dollar that the Vikings had one of their most intense practices of the season. You won’t see that same Vikings offense on the field tonight.

Defensively, like always, the Vikings stood their ground. Defensive coordinator, Coach A.B. Whitley is a defensive guru. The Vikings have given up a meager 27 points through seven games. No team has scored more than one touchdown on them this season.

Last week Mike Hilliard was the defensive star. Hilliard made a second interception in the third quarter that led to a key touchdown that broke a 7-7 tie. He also made seven tackles including a clutch sack in the fourth quarter.

Field position will be key in this game, with Vikings kicker Ricardo Arias playing an important part in this game. Arias is all but a sure shot for extra points. He may be called upon for a field goal or two tonight. He boots long balls, with them often sailing into the endzone during a kickoff return, which negates the possibility of a big return from Kinston.

This will be the toughest game of the season for the Vikings. I look for them to prevail 28-21. Wow. Three touchdowns scored on the Vikings. Whitley is cringing on that one.

Cougars vs. Panthers

It will be another day at the office for the Cougars. The hungry cats will go to Bethel and easily take care business against the North Pitt Panthers tonight. Immediately afterward they will began preparation for the Vikings.