The Vikings hosted the league leading LaConner Braves Saturday at Dahl field on Oct. 20 in a rough 40-0 loss that tested the Orcas team’s resilience, conditioning and inner strength.

The tight and well-coached Braves hit the field with a quick, organized no-huddle offense, designed to keep a rapid pace meant to tire out the Orcas defense.

Sporting a team of nearly 40 players, the Braves offense started the second half just as strong, testing the youngest Orcas defenders, including freshman Kyle Masters, Mackey Cardinell and Pasha Bullock. But even after questionable hard hit by the Braves that put Viking Spencer Crow to the sidelines, the young Orcas crew never wavered, limiting the Braves to two touchdowns in the second half. Coach Scott Harris said he was impressed with juniors Joey Susol, Keenan O’Brien and Demitri Pence with their determination in such a challenging game.

Orcas has a week to regroup for Concrete, another strong league contender. The home game is on Oct. 27 at 1 p.m.