The Center Vikings claimed a homecoming victory at CCP on Saturday afternoon as they outlasted the Del Norte Tigers, 40–35.
The Vikings put up a quick 14 points to start the game as Jesus Valadez connected with Richardo Maldonado for a touchdown. Valadez then scored on the ground. The Del Norte Tigers responded when Jace Pacheco connected with Cody Worz to make the score 14–7 at the end of
In the 2nd quarter it looked like the Vikings would pull away as Valadez connected Chase Bouet for two more touchdowns making the score 27–7 with just over a minute to play in the 1st half. But then Cody Worz returned a kickoff for a touchdown to keep the Tigers within striking distance at halftime, 27-13.
The Tiger offense seemed to find its groove as they scored on two rushing touchdowns by Michael Laymon and added a safety to tie the score 27–27 with 6:35 to go in the 3rd quarter. The Vikings broke the tie as Jesus Valadez hit his brother, Aaron, for an 80 yard catch and run touchdown pass to take a 34-27 lead. The Tigers responded. Jace Pacheco hooked with Cody Worz. Worz found the end zone, and the Tigers took the lead for the first time in the game, 35–34.
The Vikings regained the lead in the 4th quarter on a Jesus Valadez rushing touchdown with 8:15 to play. The Tigers had a couple possession late in the game but were unable to put together a scoring drive. Center held on for the 40–35 win.
The Center Vikings moved to 3–4 overall and are now 1–2 in league. They travel to Monte Vista next Friday to take on the Pirates. Kickoff is at 6:00 PM at Sullivan Field. The Del Norte Tigers fall to 2–5 overall and 0–3 in league. The Tigers return home to battle Trinidad next Saturday at 1:00 PM.