By Steve Morris

The North Branch football team lost its season opener 39-6 to Benilde-St. Margarets Sept. 1.

The Vikings made several solid drives during the game, only to cough up the ball in the form of fumble or interception. On the night, they had two fumbles and one interception. The turnovers hurt the Vikings, in a bad way. Benilde-St. Margarets scored 17 points off Viking turnovers. The Vikings let in 24 first half points.

For the game, the Vikings carried the ball for 52 yards on 40 carries. Jake Chambers added 36 yards on 18 carries.

In the air, North Branch passed for 88 yards. Quarterback Mark Johnson was 9 for 14 passing.

Even though the score was out of reach, North Branch fought until the end, scoring their touchdown in the fourth quarter. It would have been easy for the kids to quit, coach Dave Eyre said.

ìThe kids never gave up and fought until the final whistle,î coach Eyre said. ìI am proud of them for that.î

With the first game behind them, coach Eyre said his team needs to practice the fundamentals such as passing, blocking, and tackling. He said the players followed his offensive and defensive strategy, but their execution was the deal breaker.

The Vikings escaped the game injury free. For their next came, against Fridley on Friday Sept. 9, senior Justin Novak and Caleb Forstrom will be back, which will provide the Vikings extra depth and talent.

Erye is unscathed from the opening season loss.

ìI think we will be just fine.î he said. ìI am real confident in this team.î