Football Goes on the Road and Gets Second Win
By Bobby Colla
“That was much needed,” said Head Coach Mike Muehling.
The defense only letting up 10 points, all on short field drives from Ithaca.
“The defense was outstanding,” Muehling said. “They kept us in that game and really allowed us to win it.”
The Vikings were down 10-0 at halftime after the offense went three and out twice deep in their own territory. One of those possessions led to a field goal and the other to a touchdown.
“It wasn’t just one particular guy, the defense stepped up as a unit,” said Muehling.
The Vikings had players step up on both sides of the ball.
“James Seay played one of his best games of the year.” said Coach Muehling.
James Seay had a forced fumble in the third quarter and a leaping interception that iced the game in the fourth quarter.
Seay also had a near pick six in the second quarter. He was shoved out of bounds in the process of catching the football, and although there was an offensive pass interference penalty, the Vikings didn’t score on the ensuing possession.
“Rashar Gray really bounced back and did his job because he needed that,” said Muehling “He reestablished himself as a good player this week.”
Receivers like Varney Dassin, Brandon Egan-Thorpe and Chris Osterman all had their share of drops but made some important catches for the team.
“It was really an outstanding performance from our receivers,” Muehling said.
Dassin scored one of the three Hudson Valley touchdowns and Egan-Thorpe tied the school record for catches in a game with 11 and those went for 113 yards.
Running back Tyler Gagnon ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown.
“It’s the best Tyler has played all season,” Muehling said. “He did fumble the one time, but he didn’t let it bother him. He ran hard and got vertical to make the plays we wanted him to make.”
All this added up to a second half comeback that mounted 20 unanswered points and a win for the Vikings.
The 2-5 Vikings close out their season at home this Saturday at 1 p.m. against East Coast Prep.