The Tri-County Vikings took on Sanford Meridian in their final game before the start of CSAA Gold play. It was a great opportunity for the Vikings to move to 2-0, and they did just that. A 34-20 win over Sanford Meridian makes this five seasons in a row that Tri-County begins the year with two victories.
On the first offensive play of the game, Tri-County got things started with a bang. Vaughn Veltman kept the football, and he raced 95 yards for an opening score. This was the only score of the first quarter, as the two teams played with contrasting styles. For most of the night, Tri-County got the big plays. Sanford Meridian, meanwhile, put an emphasis on ball control and time of possession. This led to much more methodical drives.
In the second quarter, Trenton Bowen put the Mustangs on the board with a 2-yard carry. A missed PAT left them behind by one, 7-6. Tri-County would respond, as Veltman and Wilson Sixbury linked up for a 15-yard score.
Sanford Meridian would counter with their own touchdown pass, as Bowen hauled in a 25-yard touchdown from Karter Schaefer, his second score of the night. Before the half was complete, Chase Keller gave Tri-County a 21-14 lead headed into the locker room with a 15-yard touchdown run.
As the second half commenced, the Vikings put together two scoring drives to create an insurmountable lead. In the third quarter, Keller powered across the goal line from two yards out. Early in the fourth quarter, Chase Brooks ripped off a pair of 20+ yard runs, including a 22-yard carry that put Tri-County ahead 34-14.
Sanford Meridian would find the end zone one more time on a 4-yard touchdown pass to Wyatt Olmsted, but an interception by Grayson Butler kept the Mustangs from putting together any additional scoring drives.
Next week, Tri-County begins CSAA-Gold play against Grant. Sanford Meridian will start Jack Pine Conference action against Harrison.
