Vikings lose to Loyola, look to playoffs

The Bigfork High School football team experienced their first loss of the season during Friday night’s game against Loyola where they lost 49-0. The Vikings came into the game undefeated, 6-0, for the season with no more than 6 points against them in a single game.

“Although it was a bad loss for us, maybe it was just the wake up call we needed,” coach Todd Emslie said. “I hope that they learned that they have to compete against a quality opponent like Loyola.”

Although the loss was a hard one for the Vikes, it was not a conference game and has no real bearing on how the team will finish for their district. Emslie said it could knock the team out of the top 10, but that’s the only real impact it has.

“The loss came at a good time and makes us evaluate where we are as a team,” Emslie said. “There are two things that can happen; we could pack it up or get a new resolve from it and finish the season strong on Friday.”

Friday’s game against Eureka is the Vike’s last game of the regular season. If they win, they will host the first playoff game and be undefeated in their conference.

Emslie said Loyola’s performance was a preview for the caliber of skill their opponents will have in the playoffs.

Emslie also said the team appreciates the support they have had all season, but particularly the crowd that came to watch them play on Friday.

“We look forward to having a good crowd this Friday for a very, very important football game,” Emslie said.

Part of the reason the upcoming game is so important is because it is also Senior Night, and the Vikes have eight senior players that will be recognized at the start of their last regular season home game.