Sports : Vikings start well but lose to 4th-ranked WD, 48-7

Freshman Ethan Dedrick snaps the ball to QB Michael DeLong, who scored on this play.

For one quarter, the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings played evenly with 4th-ranked West Delaware, matching the Hawks in turnovers and big plays.

After surrendering the first touchdown on a long run by Hawk senior QB Brett Lammers, the Vikings responded with a long run by QB Jordan Womochil. A few plays later, Womochil connected with Jordan Barnes on a 28-yard touchdown pass. Anthony Dickerson's kick tied the game at 7.

The Vikings continued to keep the Hawks contained throughout most of the second quarter, but two miscues by the VS punting team gave the Hawks good field position, leading to two more touchdowns before halftime and a 20-7 margin.

The Hawks then added another two touchdowns in each the 3rd and 4th quarter, while keeping the Viking offense in Viking territory for most of the second half. The Vikings managed one long drive late in the third, when a few good runs and two Hawk penalties gave them the ball inside the WD 20. But the Hawks pushed the Vikes back, forcing a punt. The Hawks missed just one of seven PAT kicks to make the final score 48-7.

West Delaware's offense, according to KMCH radio, set a new school record with 580 yards of total offense, while holding the Vikes to 202 total yards.

The Vikings will play at home next Friday, with Independence as their Homecoming opponent. The Mustangs have an identical 1-3 record after losing to Waverly-Shell Rock, 31-7. In addition to this week's practice schedule, the Vikings also suited up for a sad occasion, wearing their jerseys to the funeral home for the visitation for Gene Womochil, Jr., the brother of Viking coach Jim Womochil.

The Viking freshman began the evening in a positive fashion for VS fans, winning their game, 42-0.

See complete varsity stats HERE.

See photos from both games HERE.