Vikings football rebounded from its first loss of the season by thumping the Rainier Christian Mustangs 63-14 on Saturday, during Homecoming.
The win improved the Vikings record to 4-1 going into next Saturday’s clash at home with league power Chief Leschi from Tacoma.
“We went into the game focused on rebounding from last week’s tough loss,” Coach Scott Harris said.
The outcome of the game was really never in doubt as the Vikings scored early and often. Robbie Padbury ran for two touchdowns, Keenan Phalan took a short pass 28 yards for a score, and Devon Stanzione had a 14-yard interception return for a touchdown to give Orcas its first quarter 29-0 lead.
The younger players mostly took over the game from that point on. Josh Lawson and Tysean Villers punched into the end zone with a 68-yard punt return and an 11-yard run respectively. Rylan Date ended the first half scoring deluge with a 34-yard touchdown catch as the Vikings went into the locker room leading 50-7.
The third quarter opened up with an Orcas drive that resulted in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Padbury to Aubrey Schermerhorn.
Devon Stanzione had what may turn out to be the highlight of the year as he took the ball off tackle and broke loose for a 90-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Stanzione benefited from outstanding blocking at the point of attack by the offensive line lead by Di Mowrey, Josh Bronn, Micah Jones, Conner O’Neill and Patrick Lancaster.
Special teams coach Dale Briggs had his hands full for most of the game as the Vikings exploded for nine touchdowns while forcing numerous punts by the Crusaders. Padbury ended his day with 5-5 passing for 183 yards and 3 scores. He also ran twice for 53 yards and two touchdowns.
Stanzione’s breakout game left him with impressive stats of 124 rushing yards and one touchdown on four carries while Phalan had three catches for 44 yards and one touchdown.
“Both the first and second team executed well as evidenced by the score,” Harris said. “Any league win is important in the tough new Northwest-SeaTac league. My hat is off to Rainier Christian, as it is their first year with a football program. They are just learning the fundamentals of the game and it was a joy to watch both teams playing the game they love. The sportsmanship displayed by both teams throughout the game meant a lot to me. We are looking forward to some great fan support next week for what will certainly be a battle with the Leschi Warriors who will arrive on the island undefeated.”
The Vikings play Chief Leschi at home on Saturday, Oct. 9 starting at 1 p.m.
Photo slideshow by Meredith Griffith.
