Vikings can’t complete the comeback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Hunter McIntyre

Sports Editor

The Vikings looked to end their two game losing streak this saturday against the New Jersey Warriors. The warriors however came to play as they returned the initially kickoff down to the Vikings ten yard line.

The next play was ran in for a touchdown by the warriors quarterback. From there quarterback Nik Rango led the vikings down the field on a 74 yard drive but the drive was fruitless as they failed to score on fourth and goal.

HVCC’s defense then came up big forcing the Warriors to punt from their endzone. Then fullback Bobby McBride made a clutch fourth down catch to make it first and goal for the vikings who unfortunately had to settle for a field goal. The score at the end of the first was 7-3 warriors.

Opening the second quarter sophomore defensive back Christian Otorubio made a key pass breakup on third down to force a punt. However the Vikings ended up giving them the ball back on their own 45 yard line due to a fumble they failed to recover.

The defense gave up big plays on back to back drives giving the Warriors two field goal attempts, however they only managed to make one of them.

A few possessions later the vikings had back to back sacks from sophomore linebacker Jon Underwood and defensive lineman Devonte Malone.

From there neither team recorded positive yardage on their drives until the end of the half 14-3 in favor of the Warriors.

A parent of a HVCC player commented about the vikings offense saying “ Its very Inconsistent. It seemed like they are still trying to find out who they are and find an identity. We really haven’t found a good bread and butter play”

Then they said “ The defense is fighting hard. Im very impressed by the defense, they gave up that Initial score but since then they’ve fought very hard.”

It was also suggested by the same audience member that they “Get the ball to their best players”

Immediately opening the second half the vikings allowed and interception to be returned. Nik Rango was then replaced by Michael Constantino at quarterback.

Constantinos first drive came up short of points but special teams managed to pin the Warriors on their one yard line.

However the next possession was big for the vikings as they scored their first touchdown on a 16 yard pass from Constantino to John Daly.  However the extra point was blocked making the score 20-9.

From there the vikings defense kept strong thought and did not allow any points in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings also cut the lead to 20-15 due to a 37 yard touchdown run from running back Halijah McLean

In the end the vikings came up short on their last few possessions making the final score 20-15 Warriors.

Head Coach Michael Muehling what he thought the team did well and he replied “ We made some good plays offensively at key points, we ran the ball at time we needed to, but I thought the defense responded well when they were put in tough situations.”

I then asked about how they could improve to which he answered saying “ I have to do a better job at managing the clock. I had a really poor time out early. I think we have to be more successful, special teams i’m going to emphasize a lot of things to help us get better there.”

From there I went on to ask reciever John Daly a few similar questions. He said “ Overall we have to be better in the red zone.” He also Said “ I think we did well on defense and we gotta work on special teams, the offense also moved the ball well but just not in the red zone.”

Catch the vikings next saturday the 22nd at 1 p.m for the homecoming game as they hope to break their losing streak vs East Coast Prep