Sports : Raining Buckets Challenge: Vikes defeat Benton 20-8 in downpour

Rained out: The VS band & flag corps had to delay its baseball-themed routine because of a downpour.

The weather was the main foe in the Vikings season-opening win vs. Benton.

In a week that saw residents throughout the area participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge, the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings, Benton Community Bobcats and their fans experienced a different kind of drenching Friday night.

After lightning delayed the freshman-sophomore contest (which VS won, 44-8), rain fell through most of the varsity contest. A steady rain grew more intense throughout the first half, chasing away some spectators and causing band director Nick Waymire to send the musicians and their instruments back inside. The rain let up a bit as half-time approached, but a much heavier rain came as the third quarter began. It continued through most of the rest of the game, soaking the players and turning parts of the field into mud. Many in the stands huddled under umbrellas or put on parkas, while a few braved the rain in the clothing they wore.

The Vikings dominated on defense, with the Bobcats only scoring on an 81-yard punt return by Riley Pfiffner and a safety. The Bobcats only gained 38 yards rushing the ball and 84 on six pass completions.

For the Vikings, Austin Bohnsack caught a pass from QB Jordan Womochil for a 32-yard score, then intercepted a pass on the Bobcats' next drive. Joel Barnes intercepted pass in the fourth quarter in Viking territory to stop the final Benton scoring threat. Two of the Viking TDs came on running plays, a 5-yard run by Brandan Geiger and a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Womochil. Anthony Dickerson kicked two extra points for the Vikes.

The Vikings also recovered three fumbles without giving up any turnovers.

While the wet field and driving rain kept Coach Jim Womochil and his team from executing some of their game plan, the coach said weathering the conditions for four quarters showed how the Vikings can compete in difficult situations.

"It was a good win," he said.

Yet, said the coach, the Vikings have defeated Benton the last two seasons, then lost to South Tama the following week. The Vikings play at South Tama next Friday, and coach Womochil expects the Trojans to be even better than last year.

"We will have to play better to beat them," he said.

The Trojans, whose 3-6 record last year matched the Vikings, routed 2013 play-off contender Grinnell, 34-7, last week.

Improved blocking on the offense and kickoff and punt team coverage are among the areas in which the Vikings must improve first, said Womochil.

See the team stat page HERE.