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Vikings pile up the yards, but fall in opener

By RICKEY CLARDY ~ For the T-G
Posted 8/21/21

HOHENWALD — The Community Vikings were able to effectively move the ball up and down the field against the Lewis County Panthers Friday night, but a Panther score off a turnover and two third …

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Vikings pile up the yards, but fall in opener

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HOHENWALD — The Community Vikings were able to effectively move the ball up and down the field against the Lewis County Panthers Friday night, but a Panther score off a turnover and two third quarter touchdowns turned the tables as Lewis County defeated the Vikings 35-14 in the opening game of the 2021 football season.

After John Stanley ran the opening kickoff back 23 yards, the Vikings started in good field position at their own 34-yard line.

Stanley picked up a Viking first down, but the drive stopped as the Panthers intercepted a Community pass.

Lewis County took advantage of its opportunity as Dyer Barnes hauled in a 17-yard pass from Bryson McDonald to give the Panthers a 7-0 first quarter lead.

An 18-yard pass from Dallas Grooms to Stanley highlighted the next Viking possession before the drive stalled.

The Community defense came up big with a fourth-down stop on the ensuing Panther possession as the game moved to the second quarter.

The teams traded possessions in the quarter before the Panthers found the end zone.

Lincoln Brewer exploded for a 44-yard TD run to give Lewis County a 14-0 lead with 5:48 remaining before the Vikings answered.

After a scamper for a first down by Maki Fleming, Grooms connected with Fleming on a 49-yard pass play to put Community on the board.

The run failed, leaving the Panthers with a 14-6 lead with 3:41 left.

The Vikings weren't through with the theatrics as Fleming recovered an onside kick to give Community good field position.

The Vikings could not take advantage of the field position, but did threaten with two first downs on their final possession of the half before time halted their drive.

"That's kind of our M.O. We've got different kicks we like to do," Coach Chris Grooms of the Vikings said.

Two scores on the first two Panther drives of the second half proved costly for the Vikings.

Blake Carroll scored on a 51-yard run and Kael Feitchtinger ran from one yard out to increase the Lewis County lead to 28-6.

"We were where we wanted to be at half, but we just didn't line up right," Grooms said.  "We were there, but we were a little late getting to the party."

The remainder of the third quarter was plagued by numerous penalties as the teams looked to mount drives.

A Stanley 17-yard pass play was the highlight for the Vikings as the Panthers took their advantage to the final quarter.

Carroll remained effective with a 3-yard touchdown run as Lewis County increased its lead to 35-6.

The Vikings got their offense in gear on their next possession.

A 15-yard pass from Grooms to Fleming took Community out of the shadow of its goal before Stanley took a forward pass from Grooms and raced 77 yards to paydirt.

Grooms ran for the conversion as the Vikings cut the Panther lead to 35-14 with 8:48 left.

The Vikings used a 71-yard pass play from Grooms to Fleming on their final possession to move deep in Panther territory before time expired.

"I was proud of how we played," Grooms said. "It's not many of us, but the ones we've got have heart."

"They play hard. They're the hardest team I've had the privilege of coaching as far as playing until the whistle blows," Grooms added.

Community travels to Chattanooga to take on Lookout Valley next Friday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time (7 p.m. Central time).           

            

Community     0   6    0  8 — 14  

Lewis Co.        7   7  14  7 — 35

              

First Quarter

L – Dyer Barnes 17 pass from Bryson McDonald, (Blake Carroll kick) 8:35.

Second Quarter

L – Lincoln Brewer 44 run, (Carroll kick) 5:48.

C– Maki Fleming 49 pass from Dallas Grooms, ( 2pt. run failed) 3:41.

Third Quarter

L – Carroll 51 run (Carroll kick), 11:46.

L – Kael Feitchtinger 1 run, (Carroll kick) 8:02.

Fourth Quarter

L – Carroll 3 run, (Carroll kick) 9:43.

C – John Stanley 77 pass from Grooms, (Grooms run) 8:48.