The North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings strapped on their pads and helmets for quarter-final playoff action in Saskatoon Wednesday night, as they took on the Bedford Road Redmen.
The Vikings, who were fourth after the regular season were looking for their second win against the Redmen this year, but Bedford Road had other ideas and grabbed the victory with a 35-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.
After no scoring in the first quarter, Bedford Road broke the 0-0 tie with a 23-yard pass from Brendan Degenhardt to Austin Bomok. Walter Budd was good with the convert and that would be all the scoring in the first half.
Both teams were held off the scoreboard in the third quarter, but in the fourth, the offences for both teams broke loose.
First it was quarterback Cole Tenetuik keeping the ball and running in a one-yard touchdown for the Vikings. After Dylan Chadwick nailed the convert, the game was tied 7-7.
Bedford Road responded with Degenhardt hitting Brandon Laliberte for a 35-yard pass-and-run play and once again Budd was good with the convert attempt.
The Vikings refused to roll over despite trailing by a touchdown and after another good drive by the offence, Taylor Reiley ran the ball in from one yard out.
Chadwick nailed the convert and late in the fourth quarter the teams were tied 14-14.
In the dying minutes of the game, Degenhardt and Laliberte connected again on another 35-yard pass for a touchdown and that was the dagger to end the Vikings' season.
North Battleford moved the ball more efficiently than the Roadmen in the game accumulating 312 yards, 242 on the ground and 70 through the air while the Roadmen had 277 total offensive yards - 158 passing and 129 rushing.
Cole Tentuik completed three passes for the Vikings, two of which were hauled in by Eric Charabin. Reiley led all rushers in the game with 26 carries and 149 yards.
The Grade 11 defensive captain Tanner Craig led the Vikings' defence with six tackles.
Bedford Road had two interceptions, a fumble recovery and drew 150 yards of penalties, which ultimately helped them sustain drives and keep the Vikings' defence on the field.
The Vikings dealt with several injuries throughout the season, but the football program at NBCHS appears to be moving in the right direction under the leadership of head coach Jamie Sommerfeld and his staff which includes: Mike Humenny, Derek Wilkinson, Justin Pooyak, Josh Radchenko, Eric Canwood, Don Hodgins and equipment manager Linda Tkatchuk.
The Vikings will wrap up the season with a banquet in the coming weeks and soon the focus will be on next season and helping the graduating players understand their football options after high school.
