The Vikings ended their season 5-5 after a victory under the lights in an evening game against the Loggers in Darrington last Thursday.

“Our game plan was to attack Darrington’s six man front with big Jake Zier,” said coach Scott Harris.

No surprise, the Vikings hit the Loggers hard in the first quarter with a series of runs ending in a seven-yard touchdown by fullback Zier. Balancing the attack, defensive tackle Hatch Shaefer planted the Darrington quarterback for a loss on the Logger’s first offensive series. Viking kicker Jack Russillo hit a second quarter field goal, setting the score 10-0 as the Vikings rolled.

As it often does, momentum shifted quickly before the end of the second quarter as the Loggers completed a touchdown pass to receiver Tyler Simmons. Darrington’s defense stiffened too, blocking a  Viking field goal attempt. Another field goal missed by the Vikings ended the half with the score 10-7.

Opening the third quarter with a promising drive, Viking quarterback Daniel Briggs hit receiver Rylan Date for a 15 yard touchdown reception, but the extra point missed leaving the score 16 to 7. A bad Orcas punt in the fourth quarter left the Logger’s with great field position, but outstanding defense by Joey Susol, Di Mowrey, Devon Stanzione, and Jay and Jake Zier held Darrington until a pass interference call resulted in an elusive Logger first down. A touchdown completion by Darrington brought the game close, 16-14, with just minutes left.

As the final Viking drive stalled and forcing a Zier punt, Shaefer raced to down the ball at the two yard line, leaving the Logger’s offense in their own end zone with 98 yards to go. Viking defense held and the familiar crack of a Susol defensive hit ended the game.

Harris was pleased as Darrington was held to less than 100 yards rushing and Jake Zier had 200 yards rushing.

“I am so happy the boys ended the season with a win,” he said. “They played a hard fought game down to the whistle. This showed character and determination of our 15 guys.”