Sports : Cardinals overwhelm Vikings in Maquoketa, 58-6

The Viking offensive line faced a large defensive front for Maquoketa.

Chase Overton carries the ball for the Vikngs.

Junior Christ Merchant runs for V-S.

Matt Walston pursues a Cardinal ball carrier.

Nolan Edwards carries the ball for the Vikings; he was injured early in the game.

Blockers try to make room for the running game.

Darren Charlier returns a kickoff 90 yards for a TD vs. Maquoketa.

Kelyn Rickels played quarterback, handing the ball here to a teammate.

Viking defenders seek to block a Cardinal pass.

Coach Farley rallies his offensive linemen.

Center Ryan Webster prepares to snap.

Coach Farley speaks to the offense late in the first half.

Lincoln Riffey attempts a pass for the Vikings.

Cardinal defenders chase QB Riffey.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings' hopes for a return to the post-season in 2011 took a double hit Friday in Maquoketa.

The Vikings lost the game, 58-6, and also lost their leading scorer, Nolan Edwards, who suffered a possibly broken collar bone on the Vikings' first possession.

The Cardinals scored on every posession but their last, scoring eight touchdowns and a field goal. The Vikings only score came on a 90-yard kickoff return by Darren Charlier after the Cardinals had built a 36-0 lead.

The Vikings had defeated Maquoketa in a close game last year. Both teams are now 2-1, but the Vikings are 0-1 in district play.

Under the tie-breaking system used in Iowa high school football, the loss leaves the Vikings tied with Center Point-Urbana for last place in Class 3A, District 5. Union is tied for first with Maquoketa.

See complete standings HERE.

The Vikings return home Friday to host Western Dubuque, which defeated Marion, 7-0.

Thanks to Jan Andreesen for sharing the photos of the game with Vinton Today.