Vikings hoping home brings victory

The Community Vikings hope to prove the old adage that there is no place like home as they return home after two disappointing weeks on the road to face Region 5-A foe Middle Tennessee Christian on Friday night.

The Vikings (1-6, 1-5 Region 5-A) were defeated by White House-Heritage 35-13 despite a huge rushing night from senior tailback Jacob Cowell, who toted the rock for 136 yards on 21 touches to account for a large percentage of their total offense.

Turnovers continue to be a key statistic for the Purple and Gold. Their inability to take the ball away from the other team more than they give it up proved to be the difference last week as they were victimized for three interceptions and lost two fumbles.

"We have worked the kids harder than at any point of the season this week in practice," Viking coach Johnnie Frost said. "We felt like we had gotten away from the fundamental things that make teams successful -- tackling, hitting the right hole, fighting through blocks, finishing assignments, and taking care of the ball.

"Part of our letdown has been on the physical side. We were getting beat to the punch by the other team. We worked hard and I think that we will see a difference in this game."

The Vikings enter the week with a variety of bumps and bruises to a number of their key personnel. Fans may get an extended look at some of the eighth graders recently brought on board to address some of their depth issues.

Quarterback Justin Stallings threw for 115 yards and spread the ball around to four different receivers to open the run game for Cowell against the Pats, but the interceptions stalled promising drives and flipped the field for an overworked defense that simply ran out of juice.

The Cougars (4-3, 3-3) are having a bit of a roller coaster season, having won their first three games of the season before losing three in succession, then downing Clarksville Academy 28-21 on the road last week.

All-purpose athlete Dillon Wade continues to be the workhorse for MTC on the ground as he mustered 166 yards rushing on a whopping 37 carries in that game.

Quarterback Scot Bartilson threw for 138 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner, with less than five minutes left.

"We feel that we are pretty evenly matched with this team," Frost said. "My coaches have worked hard at preparing the kids and making some changes in the way we approach our business.

"We feel that we have an excellent game plan in place.

"All that is left to do is to execute."