The Tri-County Vikings were so close in the first meeting. One costly miscue led to short field, and ultimately Central Montcalm won the regular season meeting 7-0. Three weeks later, the Vikings got a shot at revenge, and they delivered in a stunning fashion. Tri-County is one of just two #8 seeds (Oak Park in D2) to win a first round game, dominating Central Montcalm 34-7.
Nate Lovell wasted no time in finding the end zone in this game. Just ninety seconds into the game, he rushed for a nineteen yard touchdown that gave Tri-County a 6-0 edge. That would be the first quarter’s lone scoring play.
Tyler Tompkins would jumpstart the second quarter scoring attack with a one yard touchdown run. In the closing seconds of the first half, Tri-County had an explosive offensive play to extend their lead. Cam Friend hauled in a forty-yard touchdown pass that gave the Vikings a 20-0 advantage heading into the locker room.
Preston Scott put Central Montcalm on the scoreboard early in the third quarter when he rushed for a one-yard touchdown. This was a strong drive for the Hornets that seemed to rebuild some confidence for the team, as they only trailed by thirteen points.
That only lasted for three minutes, as Tyler Tompkins scored again on a five yard touchdown run. Early in the fourth quarter, Tompkins scored again on an eight yard rush to make it 34-7 Vikings.
Central Montcalm had a drive deep into Tri-County territory with six minutes to play, reaching the goal line, but they could not go any further. The goal line stand allowed the Vikings to regain possession and ultimately seal the victory.
The offensive line of Tri-County was phenomenal in this game, opening running lanes for the team’s four rushing touchdowns. The starters on that line are Andrew Bogart, Bryce Thomas, Joe Meyer, Trevor Stevens, and Zach Princer.
This was Tri-County’s first playoff win since 2004, when they defeated Fremont in a Division 4 opener. They will go for their first ever Round 2 victory when travel to Grant next Friday night. The Tigers defeated Orchard View 48-16. This is another game on Tri-County’s revenge tour, as they lost a heartbreaker to Grant in the season opener 7-6.
