The Garber Dukes and the Swan Valley Vikings squared off Friday in a non-league TVC game. The Vikings are members of the Central, while the Dukes play in the East. They were in the same division last year, and were set to repeat that this fall, but the COVID pandemic caused the TVC to split the Central into two divisions. Regardless, they remained on each others’ 2020 schedule, and after a strong rushing performance, the Dukes won this contest 56-32.
In the first quarter, Garber build an early lead. First, Tommy Szczepanski and Logan Hugo paired up on an explosive eighty-five yard passing play. Near the late moments of the first quarter, Alex Christe burst for a thirty-four yard touchdown run. These scores gave the Dukes a 14-0 edge after twelve minutes.
Swan Valley was able to respond with a short touchdown run by Khyree Harris. Szczepanski took to the air and extended Garber’s lead back out to fourteen, finding Logan Anthony on an eighty-one yard bomb. After Avery Goldensoph and Harris each scored on short touchdown runs, Swan Valley had drawn within one point, 21-20, with forty-three seconds to go on the half. The Dukes had time for one final score in the half, as Alex VanSumeren burst through the line for a short two-yard touchdown, capping off a drive that lasted just twenty-six seconds. Garber took the 28-20 edge into the locker room.
As the second half got under way, Garber continued to score. Tommy Szczepanski and Logan Hugo connected for their second touchdown of the night, though this was only a thirty-five yard pass. After Khyree Harris’ third touchdown rush of the day, this time an eight yarder, the Vikings were within nine at 35-26 as the final quarter approached.
Alex Christe began the final frame with a four yard touchdown run for the Dukes to extend their lead to sixteen points. Harris logged his fourth touchdown rush for Swan Valley, but it would not be enough. Garber got another touchdown rush by Christe (forty-seven yards) and a fourth touchdown pass from Tommy Szczepanski (as he found Colton Potts) to balloon the lead to its final tally of 56-32.
Next week, Garber concludes its regular season against Carrollton. Swan Valley will face Birch Run in a game that will air LIVE on MSR next Friday night.
