By DAN BISER

With a break-out performance in last week’s 28-12 victory over South Robeson, the West Columbus Vikings are setting their sights on another trip to the state 1AA football playoffs with two Southeastern Conference games remaining.

On Friday, the Vikings will close out their regular-season home schedule when they entertain the St. Pauls Bulldogs. The WCHS “Senior Night” game will begin at 7:30.

The Vikings snapped a seven-game losing streak with their win at South Columbus, putting their conference record at 1-3 and overall mark at 2-7.

“If we can win our last two games, we should get homefield advantage in the opening round of the playoffs,” Brigman said. “With the way we have played in our last couple of games, I feel we have a strong shot at it.”

Last week, West Columbus scored 22 fourth-quarter points to gain their first win since their 48-25 decision over Dixon in their Aug. 18 season opener.

Junior back Torres Newkirk rushed for 184 yards on 17 carries, including touchdown runs of 52 and 34 yards. Junior quarterback Travis Leggett rushed for 143 more yards and two touchdowns and also passed for 70 yards. For the night, the Vikings had 427 yards rushing.

The Viking defense gave it probably its best performance of the season, holding the Mustangs to 130 yards rushing.

“We’re real young on defense, but we’ve gotten better,” Brigman said.

Brigman said his team gave probably its best all-around effort in its 45-7 loss to unbeaten East Bladen two weeks ago.

“We were down only 6-0 with less than four minutes left in the first half and we were driving the football,” Brigman said. “Then two turnovers right before the half resulted in two touchdowns for East Bladen. The turnovers killed us, but our kids played hard from beginning to end in that one.”

A year ago this time, West Columbus was well on its way to the state playoffs as it went on to post a runnerup finish in the conference. Most of last year’s starters were lost to graduation, but Brigman and his staff have been determined to help guide the 2006 Vikings back to the playoffs.

“Getting the win last week was a big boost, but we know what we’re up against this week.” Brigman said. “St. Pauls has a lot of size and they have experience at just about every position.”

St. Pauls, which defeated West Bladen 31-15 last week, is carrying a 3-1 record in conference play and a 5-4 overall mark.

The big win of the season for Coach Mike Setzer’s Bulldogs was thrilling 36-35 edging of 3A Gray’s Creek on Sept. 8.

West Columbus defeated the St. Pauls squad 37-20 last season.