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By Cynthia Scott
Turnovers plagued North Branch for the second consecutive week as the Vikings fell 7-20 to the Fridley Tigers in a North Suburban contest on Sept. 9.
The Vikes lost the ball three times on five fumbles and threw one interception.
Still, the defense kept the Vikings in the game the first half, and the two teams were locked in a 0-0 tie going into the locker room.
The first score of the game came two minutes into the third quarter, when Fridley mounted a 59 yard, 6 play drive that resulted in a 6 yard touchdown run. The Vikes had only two possessions in the quarter. One ended in a fumble and the other in a punt.
The scoreless tie remained until early in the fourth quarter, when Fridley scored on an 8 yard pass. The Tigers' lead grew to 20-0 with five minutes remaining in the game. The Vikings' lone score came on a 46-yard touchdown strike from Matt Warren to Mike Carlson.
"Defensively I thought we improved alot," said Coach Joel Swanson. "Offensively our inexperience shows. We can't continue to lose the turnover battle in these tight games."
Adam Gades was the leading rusher with 56 yards on 13 carries. Jake Chambers hauled in 3 receptions for 50 yards, and Mike Carlson had one reception for the 46 yard touchdown.
Matt and Mike Carlson led the team in tackles with 9 apiece. Caleb Forstrom and Dillon Kost had 8 and 7, respectively.
Up next: St. Louis Park
This Friday the Vikings host their first home game of the season against the 1-1 St. Louis Park Orioles. The Orioles have a potent offense behind the duo of quarterback Stephen Runyon and receiver Josh Swartout, who lead the North Suburban Conference in passing and receiving yards.
The Orioles also have a tough defense. Freshman Otha Jones leads the conference in sacks with three.
"We'll all need to be focused mentally and carry out our responsibilities," Swanson said.
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