Head coach Mike Peck was able to find some silver linings in Friday's game despite it ending in another lopsided loss, this time a 39-6 defeat to Oneida Nation/NEW Lutheran.
The Vikings had no turnovers in the first half, but they were unable to stop the United's offensive attack led by quarterback Reid Nelson. After Josh Kribs opened the scoring on a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, Nelson threw for three scores in the second quarter. He connected with Brett Gajeski on a long touchdown pass to kick things off in the second quarter before connecting with Kribs on a screen pass and Gajeski a second time to make it 25-0 at the break.
The Vikings would finally break a long scoring drought in the third quarter following a fumble recovery by Jeffrey Mize. Giovanni Mercier connected with Will Lecy from nine yards to make it 25-6.
The Vikings did not fare well the rest of the game, ending their night with an interception by Evan Monfre and a fumble recovery on a kickoff taken upfield by Bairen Lhost. The United, meanwhile, cashed in on their remaining possessions behind rushing touchdowns by Kribs and Nelson.
Peck said after the game that scoring in the third quarter got a huge monkey off their back and their kickoff return game showed signs of life ahead of the fumble in the fourth quarter. It sets in motion some positive momentum for the Vikings, which hosts Sevastopol for their homecoming game on September 20th. Tim Kowols and 105.1 The GOAT will have the call from Fish Creek for the game beginning at 6:45 p.m. with the pregame show followed by the kickoff at 7 p.m.
