Sports : Sophomores come from behind for win, but VS varsity loses to Marion, 35-7

Josh Ferguson crosses the goal line after interception; sophomores come back to defeat Marion.

Down 20-12 halfway through the fourth quarter, the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings sophomore team inspired the Homecoming crowd with two big plays to tie and win the game.

First, Josh Ferguson intercepted a Marion pass and returned it for a touchdown. After forcing the Indians to punt, the Vikings took the lead on a long run by Chris Merchant. The defense held off the Indians' comeback attempt, preserving a 26-20 victory.

The team improves to 3-2 on the season.

The varsity team began its game against the Indians the same way the sophomore game ended: With big plays leading to scores.

The Vikings kicked off to Marion to start the game, and quickly forced the Vikings to punt. John Lippman's long return gave the Vikings first and 10 on the Indian 29. Brian Fischer scored on a run on the Vikings' first play from scrimmage. Erico Carniero's kick gave the Vikings a 7-0 lead.

But the rest of the game belonged to Marion and its stingy defense. The Indians stopped the Vikings on fourth and inches and followed that with a 50-yard scoring drive. An interception return set up another touchdown. The Indians led 21-7 at the half and score touchdowns in both the third and fourth quarters. The last Marion touchdown with 1:38 left to play made the score 35-7.

The loss brings the Vikings season record to 2-3. Next week they play at Anamosa.