• Article Photo. Darren Charlier returns a kickoff.
    Darren Charlier returns a kickoff.
  • Article Photo. Chris Merchant carries the ball for the Vikings vs. Western Dubuque Friday in Vinton.
    Chris Merchant carries the ball for the Vikings vs. Western Dubuque Friday in Vinton.
  • Article Photo. Kelyn Rickels looks for running room against the Bobcats.
    Kelyn Rickels looks for running room against the Bobcats.
  • Article Photo. The Viking sideline cheers a good defensive play.
    The Viking sideline cheers a good defensive play.
  • Article Photo. Gunner Tranel led the Viking rushing attack.
    Gunner Tranel led the Viking rushing attack.
  • Article Photo. The Vikings lost 41-28, to W. Dubuque (The first six photos are by Jan Andreesen)
    The Vikings lost 41-28, to W. Dubuque (The first six photos are by Jan Andreesen)
  • Article Photo. Lincoln Riffey attempts a pass.
    Lincoln Riffey attempts a pass.
  • Article Photo. Rickels, Tranel and Chase Overton (10) tackle a WD runner.
    Rickels, Tranel and Chase Overton (10) tackle a WD runner.
  • Article Photo. Playing with pain: Chris Merchant's taped-up right ankle.
    Playing with pain: Chris Merchant's taped-up right ankle.
  • Article Photo. Colton Draker makes a reception.
    Colton Draker makes a reception.
  • Article Photo. Gunner Tranel is brought down after earning the Vikes another first down.
    Gunner Tranel is brought down after earning the Vikes another first down.
  • Article Photo. Former VS soccer player Kelly Wagner was perfect in PAT attempts, hitting all four.
    Former VS soccer player Kelly Wagner was perfect in PAT attempts, hitting all four.
  • Article Photo. Leading tackler Gunner Tranel eyes a Bobcat ball carrier.
    Leading tackler Gunner Tranel eyes a Bobcat ball carrier.
  • Article Photo. Despite his injury, Nolan Edwards (34) remains a team leader at every practice and game.
    Despite his injury, Nolan Edwards (34) remains a team leader at every practice and game.
  • Article Photo. Darren Charlier breaks up a pass.
    Darren Charlier breaks up a pass.
  • Article Photo. The Vikings gained most of their yards with their running backs.
    The Vikings gained most of their yards with their running backs.
  • Article Photo. Rickels fights for yardage on a run.
    Rickels fights for yardage on a run.
  • Article Photo. Linemen try to make room for Tranel to carry the ball.
    Linemen try to make room for Tranel to carry the ball.
  • Article Photo. The Vikings in the backfield help provide blocking for the running game.
    The Vikings in the backfield help provide blocking for the running game.
  • Article Photo. The Vikings enter the field.
    The Vikings enter the field.

 

     Nolan Edwards stood with the other Viking captains, wearing his jersey and his jeans, as the pre-game coin toss determined who would kick off first.

    Edwards continues serving as a team captain and as an "uncertified assistant coach," said head coach Pat Farley, despite his season-ending injury at Maquoketa Sept. 9.

    "It feels terrible," said Edwards, as he stood on the sidelines, just watching in the Vikings 41-28 loss to Western Dubuque last night. "It's killing me."

     There are no words, says Coach Farley, to explain how badly he feels for the guy who led the team in touchdowns and rushing yards for the first two games.

     "Edwards was in the weight room, day after day, working hard all throughout the off-season, getting ready," said Farley.

     

'Fight or Flight'

      After the 58-6 defeat at Maquoketa and the loss of Edwards, Farley said he gathered the team and told them they had a choice going forward: "Fight or flight."

     "We fell down at Maquoketa, but tonight, we fought back," said Farley.

     The Bobcats built a quick 14-0 lead, but the Vikings scored two touchdowns to tie the game at 14 at halftime. The Bobcats added 10 more in the third, but the Vikings also scored a touchdown, leaving the score 24-21   While the Vikings relied heavily on their running game, led by senior Gunner Tranel, they also moved the ball by passing later in the game. Two passes from Lincoln Riffey to Darren Charlier put the Vikes in scoring position, allowing Tranel to score one of his running touchdowns late in the third quarter.

     The Bobcats then built a 38-28 fourth-quarter lead before kicking a field goal with just seconds left on the clock for a 41-28 final score.

     The Vikings travel to Marion next week before returning for a Sept. 30 Homecoming contest vs. Anamosa.

     In other District 5 action, Union lost for the first time this season, 20-13, to DeWitt Central. Marion defeated Anamosta, 58-35, while Maquoketa beat Center Point-Urbana, 41-3. In District 6, Benton Community got its first win of the season, a 22-21 Homecoming win over Washington, in overtime.

     Next week, the schedule includes the following games:

Center Point-Urbana at Epworth, Western Dubuque 
Central Clinton, DeWitt at Maquoketa 
Union, La Porte City at Anamosa 
Vinton-Shellsburg at Marion