The Whitehall Vikings and Sparta Spartans each scored seven points in the first and fourth quarters. It was the middle two quarters, an area where Whitehall won 26-6, that allowed the Vikings to advance to next week’s District Finals, capturing a 40-20 win on Friday evening.
Dylan Turoski scored for Sparta in the opening frame, carrying the football across the goal line from two yards out. Later in the quarter, Kyle Stratton used his legs on a 28-yard quarterback keeper, evening the count at 7.
Whitehall scored the first two touchdowns of the second quarter. In the opening plays of the frame, Stratton aired it out, connecting with Brodie Fogus on a 31-yard touchdown connection. On their ensuing offensive drive, Nate Bolley broke free on a 38-yard carry, creating a 20-7 advantage.
Sparta would score shortly thereafter with another run into the end zone by Dylan Turoski. Alec Pruett answered for Whitehall with a 3-yard touchdown carry with nine seconds to go before halftime. This gave the Vikings a 27-13 advantage at the break.
After the break, Whitehall jumped at the opportunity to extend their lead. Kyle Stratton scored twice, once in each quarter, and once in each of his primary scoring methods. First, in the third quarter, he kept the football on a 3-yard carry. With five minutes left in the game, he found Nate Bolley on a 32-yard touchdown toss. Nick Schoonmaker rounded out the score with a 26-yard carry.
Whitehall had 500 yards of offense. Kyle Stratton completed 7/11 passes for 117 yards, while he also rushed for 177 yards. Alec Pruett chipped in 103 receiving yards. Next week, the Vikings will face Cadillac in a tough District Finals battle.
