Article by Josh Longstreth
It was another dominate performance from the Tri-County Vikings last week. They would cruise from start to finish by defeating Morley Stanwood, 44-6. That’s been the story over the course of three weeks for the Vikings as they have dismantled teams early and often. This week, however, they found themselves in a battle.
Central Montcalm came into this game with upset on their mind as they struck first to open up the scoring. Jamison Johns would take one into the endzone to give the Hornets an early 7-0 lead. Tri-County would be able to muster something of their own in the opening quarter, however. Owen Behranwald would find some daylight from 37-yards away. A successful two-point try would give the Vikings an 8-7 lead and that’s where things would stand after the first.
This one became a defensive battle for the rest of the half. Neither team would put any points on the board. Central Montcalm, desperate for a win, found themselves with a shot against an undefeated Vikings team through one half of play.
Both offenses would adjust to put some points up in the third quarter. The Hornets would regain the lead on a Anthony Schultz 15-yard scamper. This gave Central Montcalm a 14-8 advantage. Back came the Vikings as Behrenwald would reach the endzone again, this time from 1-yard out. Tri-County grabbed the lead back to make it a tie ball game, 14-14.
Sometimes when you have the bullseye on you each week, a team is going find out a lot about themselves when it matters most. The Vikings found themselves received a real test here for the first time since week two. But, they wouldn’t be denied. Behrenwald again would factor into this one in a big way. He would find sophomore Jayden Button on a 51-yard touchdown pass to give Tri-County the lead. It was all they would need as the Vikings survive a Hornets scare and pull off a thriller, 22-14.
For the second week in a row, Central Montcalm had a chance to pull off a monumental win but it would be for not. The Hornets fall to 2-4 on the season. They will to see if they can be on the right side next week when they take on Grant. They will welcome in the Tigers next Friday night.
In one of their toughest matchups of the season, Tri-County comes out on top. It is now the second year in a row where the Vikings have began their season at 6-0. But, if they thought this week was tough sledding they might be in for another big test next week. A Big Rapids team that has now won five in a row looks to stand in the way.
