JV Vikings thumped by Eastlake

Published 10:08 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

The Sno-Valley JV Vikings (2-2) were treated rudely Saturday by

their hosts, the Eastlake Wolves, suffering a 34-6 loss.

For the first time this season, the Viking defense did not gain control

of the opponent’s offense. Although the Viking offense appears to be

improving, they could not overcome critical penalties that nullified a

touchdown and a big kickoff return.

Eastlake’s initial drive was stopped at the Viking 20. The only Viking

offensive play of the first quarter ended in an interception, putting the

defense back on the field. Eventually, the Wolves managed to bull into the

end zone to open the scoring. A successful point after the touchdown

pass gave the Wolves a 7-0 lead as the first stanza came to a close.

The Vikings took the ball to open the second quarter. A loss on the

first play nullified three successful running plays and left the Vikings one

yard short of a first down. However, the Vikings did gain 11 yards behind

the blocking of center Kyle Meyers, offensive guard Gregory Linn and

offensive tackle Josh Hake.

Eastlake took over the ball and three plays later had a 14-0 lead.

The Vikings defense proved to be very vulnerable to outside running

plays. Eastlake also used a diverse set of pitches and misdirection that kept

the Vikings off balance all day.

On the subsequent kickoff, Eastlake tried to keep the pressure

on by attempting an on-side kick. Zach Sumner snagged the ball out of the

pile and rambled to the Eastlake 15. Unfortunately, the play was called

back by a clipping penalty, and a fumble on the subsequent first down gave

the ball back to Eastlake. A touchdown-saving tackle by Cody Hudson

slowed the Eastlake attack, but eventually the Wolves scored again, putting the

Vikings in a 20-0 hole.

The Vikings and Eastlake traded fumbles to open the second half,

with linebacker James McKiernan recovering for the Vikings. The Vikes

finally appeared to get on the board with a 50-yard ramble by halfback

Adam Rothgeb, but a penalty again nullified a Viking threat.

A well-covered punt put Eastlake deep in its own territory. The

Vikings defense stopped the Wolves, thanks in part to a tackle for loss by

defensive end Tylor Littlejohn.

The Vikes then took over and drove the ball down the field

behind the running of fullback Joe Cruz and Rothgeb. A 36-yard burst by

Rothgeb – thanks in part to a down-field block by WR Anthony Vasquez – put the

Vikings on the board, albeit trailing 20-6. Two more late scores by

Eastlake gave the final score of 34-6.

The Vikings travel to Newport High School Saturday afternoon

to take on the Bellevue Knights (3-1) in an important test.