On a night that started out so well, everything from the score to the weather got ugly quickly in Valparaiso. However the Valparaiso High School football team was able to keep the Michigan City Wolves at arms’ reach at Viking Field on Friday night.
The Vikings were able to hold off the Wolves despite a early injury to senior Bryon Duncan and the absence of junior Andrew Kittridge, two of the Vikings key offensive players. Behind a strong defense, quarterback Paul Andrie was able to connect through the air to the Allen brothers (Markee and Marcus) and had the benefit of a strong running game from Steve Sims to get the Vikings out to a 21-0 lead.
The Wolves were able to mount a small retaliation, converting a fake punt into a 60+ yard touchdown run and turning a forced fumble into a touchdown return, eventually putting the game at 31-21 at the half. Once the rain came and slowed both teams down, the Vikings were able to prevail 38-21 to even their record to 2-2 on the season.
Click here for photos from the game!
Before the game started, several elementary schools from around Valparaiso tailgated in front of the field, next to the VHS girls’ soccer fundraiser being held. The elementary school principals were invited onto the field at halftime to attempt a field goal from the 10 yard line alongside a few select students.
Also, to celebrate Meet the Vikes night, about one hundred youth cheerleaders and Vikettes-to-be were able to participate with the VHS cheerleading squad to root on the Vikings during the first half of their winning effort.
Click here for photos from the Meet the Vikes festivities!
The Vikings return to the road the next two weeks, facing off against the Chesterton Trojans and Crown Point Bulldogs on the next two Fridays before returning home to face off against Merrillville on September 30th.