Posted: 9/13/06
Last minute TD edges Vikings past Fridley
 Junior wide receiver Jared Grams pulls in a reception late in the first half during a game against Fridley Sept. 8. Grams caught the game tieing pass with a minute and a half left in the game. More than 1,000 attended the game. |
Steve Morris
With victory hanging in the balance, the Viking offense put together an impressive drive in the final two minutes of the game that resulted in a touchdown pass, an extra point and a reason to rejoice.
On Sept. 8 the Vikings won their home opener against conference and section rival Fridley by a score of 14-13.
Playing in front of more than 1,000 fans, Vikings quarterback Mark Johnson and junior wide receiver Jared Grams were a powerful one, two punch. Johnson connected with Grams for both of the Vikings touchdowns, including the game tieing pass with a minute and a half remaining in the game.
Johnson had more than 100 yards passing on the night.
ìGrams is one of the better receivers in the conference,î head coach Dave Eyre said. ìHe works hard and is willing to do what it takes to get it done.î
The Vikings were able to hold a powerful Fridley offense to only 13 points. Eyre said Fridley has a strong quarterback who was the Most Valuable Player in the conference last year. Theyíre going to get yards, Eyre said of Fridley, but he said they must keep them out of the end zone. Containing Fridleyís quarterback was a focus of the Vikings defense.
ìI think we controlled him real well,î Eyre said.
Senior Justin Novak carried the ball for a 109 yards. Novak also notched two key sacks in the first half.
Novak, who is utilized in several positions, also ran the ball on punt returns.
ìNovak did an excellent job on the punt return,î Eyre said.
Eyre was especially pleased with the play of this defensive line. He said they had a nice rotation happening, which allowed fresh legs to be put in. The defensive line put a great amount of pressure on the quarterback, Eyre said.
All around, the Vikings were a much better team than a week ago when they lost to Benilde-St. Margarets by 33 points. Against Fridley, the Vikings had no fumbles and only one penalty.
After the game, first year coach Eyre said told his players he was proud of the way the they played but reminded them to stay focused on the bigger picture.
ìThis is the start of something special, but enjoy it, because we have a long season ahead of us.î
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