Vikings drop home opener 21-6

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

The Vikings hosted their first home game last Friday, and although they didn't win, the game was an improvement from last year.

The stands were filled, the spirit was up and Bigfork's players out numbered Browning's. But Bigfork still struggled to bring their numbers up on the socreboard, losing to the Indians 21-6.

It was the first win of the season for Browning, now 1-3, and Bigfork is still without a win after three games.

Both teams' defenses came out swinging in the first quarter, but neither team's offense was able to follow through and convert their plays into touchdowns. The game was riddled with mistakes on both sides, but Browning capitalized on the opportunities Bigfork gave them. The Indians came close to a touchdown in the first quarter, but fell short and settled for a field goal attempt that was missed.

"We started out really well," said Bigfork senior wide receiver Cheyne Valentine. "We can't let it slip though. We need to be mentally prepared. Our defensive line did really well. We had some good blocks. We didn't play bad, we just need to play better."

It wasn't until half way through the second quarter that Browning's junior quarterback Bill Blackman connected with Cody Edwards on a 6-yard pass for the first touchdown of the game and Dontaye Northcutt made the extra point.

Bigfork held them the rest of the half and through the third quarter. Things changed dramatically, though, when Bigfork fumbled on their 35 yard line and Northcutt grabbed the ball and ran it back for a 65-yard touchdown for Browning. Northcutt also kicked the extra point, which was good.

Bigfork handed Browning another opportunity to score when they fumbled the ball again and Browning regained possession. Browning capitalized on their mistake with Blackman throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to Lyle St. Goddard, and Northcutt followed with another successful kick.

Bigfork finally got on the board at the end of the fourth quarter when sophomore quarterback Christian Ker threw a 15-yard pass to Valentine. The Viking's run for an extra two points was shut down by Browning.

"We made some mistakes that got us in the end," said Bigfork senior linebacker Donnie Tudahl. "People missing their assignments and some penalties got us."

Bigfork has a relatively inexperienced team this year after having only 16 players suit up last year. That number has more than tripled this year, but they are still struggling to train their new players.

"We have a young team that is getting better each week," Bigfork head football coach Bruce Corbett said. "But we make mistakes that cost us the game like they did tonight. It comes down to taking advantage of the opportunities when they come about. That only comes with experience though. If you look at where we are compared to last year we've improved greatly. I'm really proud of them."

The support of the community has improved greatly as well this season. Players said that last year they remember seeing mostly just parents in the stands, but on Friday the stands were packed with community members, parents and students.

"It was good to see the community come out and support us," said junior running back Carson Sneed. "There was three or four times more people in the stands than at our first game last year. It showed us that they are dedicated to our team. It is nice to know that they back us."