Sports : Vikings defeat Huskies in District opener, 48-18

Vikings ring the VS victory bell after their 48-18 win over Oelwein.

Grant Sagan dives for a pass thrown by a Husky QB.

Chris Merchant dives ahead for extra yardage while being tackled by an Oelwein defender.

Kelyn Rickels scored three touchdowns, the last on a kickoff return, as the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings defeated Oelwein, 48-18. The Vikings built a 28-0 lead before the Huskies scored, and led 35-12 at halftime.

Senior QB Grant Sagan threw touchdown passes to Max Griffith and Daniel Ervin. Chris Merchant and Chase Overton each ran for a touchdown. Rickels' three scores included two rushing touchdowns and a kickoff return for another score. See complete stats HERE.

Play was stopped for more than a half hour just before halftime when Oelwein senior Benjamin Rettinger suffered a concussion and was taken off the field by ambulance. The crowd hushed and players from, both teams took a knee in respect as they waited for Rettinger to receive medical attention. Coaches, however, reported that Rettinger was fine on Saturday, without any headaches or other symptoms, and that before leaving the hospital he was already asking if he could play next week.

The Vikings are now 2-1 overall and 1-0 in district play. They travel to Epworth to play Western Dubuque next Friday.Tonight's theme was Neon Night, and hundreds of bright green neon t-shirts -- many worn over long-sleeved shirts to protect the spectators from the chilly September wind -- filled the Viking stands.