The Tri-County Vikings were in enemy territory on Friday night, visiting the Chippewa Hills Warriors. It had been a tough season so far for the Warriors, who entered at 1-5, and had lost the last three matchups against Tri-County. So many in Remus found it surprising when the visitors trailed 28-14 deep into the third quarter. A furious rally, aided by some stellar kicking, propelled the Vikings to a 34-28 victory.
After a scoreless first quarter, Tri-County got on the scoreboard on the opening play of the second frame. Chase Keller ran six yards for the score, but a failed conversion left the Vikings lead at just six points.
Chippewa Hills responded with two touchdowns to seize the lead. First, Hunter McGuire and Gage Perkins paired up on a 31-yard touchdown pass. On the ensuing drive, Jon Koepf used his legs for a 6-yard carry.
Tri-County was able to draw even just thirty seconds of game time later, when Cade Hallman ripped off a 7-yard touchdown run. Chippewa Hills would methodically drive down the field, and when Perkins burst through the defense for a 33-yard touchdown run, the hosts took their 21-14 lead into the locker room.
Scoring was stalled throughout most of the third quarter, before a touchdown run by Clay Ferrell with just over a minute to play extended the Chippewa Hills lead.
Trailing 28-14, Tri-County looked to sustain a drive and recapture some momentum. They saw their opportunity for a big play when Keller broke off a 23-yard touchdown run to trim the deficit to six, 28-22 as the game went to the fourth quarter.
Tri-County remained aggressive down the stretch, twice opting for an onside kick. Tam Wicharnchan was phenomenal, beautifully placing the football to allow his teammates to recover and retain possession. On their next drive, Vaughn Veltman made his debut in the end zone on a 3-yard carry. A failed conversion left the game knotted at 28.
Wicharnchan’s second onside kick was subsequently successful, giving the Vikings the ball once more. Hallman would deliver the final blow to the Warriors’ defense, as his 13-yard carry put Tri-County ahead 34-28 with five minutes to play, a lead they would not relinquish.
Chase Keller finished with 20 carries for 163 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 57 receiving yards on 4 catches.
Next week, Tri-County (5-2) concludes CSAA play with a game against Reed City. Chippewa Hills (1-6) plays their final league contest on Friday when they face the Grant Tigers.
