The Swan Valley Vikings had entered their regular season finale against Birch Run in unfamiliar territory. They had lost two straight games, and their record was 2-3. This was the first point that they had had a losing record after at least five games since 2007. They were able to right the ship in this contest however, and they now sit at 3-3 after beating Birch Run 27-6.
Just sixteen seconds into this game, the Vikings were able to break into the scoring column. Khyree Harris burst through the defense for a sixty-yard score that put the team ahead 6-0. On their next drive, Harris once again found the end zone. This time, he ran five yards for the touchdown to give the Vikings a 13-0 edge.
In the second quarter, there was no scoring. The Swan Valley defense did have a memorable stop however, halting a lengthy Birch Run drive. The Panthers marched from deep within their own territory to the red zone. It was at that point that Drew Kaeckmeister stepped in front of a pass and intercepted it, changing the momentum in the contest.
Luciono Finley got in the scoring column in the third quarter, as he plunged across the goal line from two yards out. This was the lone scoring play of the third quarter, leaving the Vikings ahead 20-0.
Avery Goldensoph tossed for a fourth quarter touchdown, finding Max Dawson for a six yard toss. With 1:21 to play, Birch Run finally prevented the shutout. Briggson Cook ran seven yards to cap off a scoring drive for the Panthers.
Next week, these schools will both start postseason play. Their opponents and locations will be announced Sunday, and after the MHSAA makes that official, we will have them available here on Michigan Sports Radio.
