The Vikings felt more confident heading into the 3A high school football game against Tommy Douglas, but fell short once again.
For the first time this season, the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings played a team with a losing record, as both they and Tommy Douglas held 0-3 records coming in. Thursday in Saskatoon the Vikings surrendered the early lead and couldn't get it back. Tommy Douglas capped off an early drive with an 11 yard touchdown run and the convert was good making it 7-0.
Later in the first quarter, the Tigers scored on a five-yard passing play and kicked another convert for the 14-0 lead.
The Vikings responded before the first quarter ended, as Wade Frenchman punched in a three-yard run and Dylan Chadwick kicked the convert.
Tommy Douglas went on the attack again in the second quarter. This time Devin Walls scored his third touchdown of the game on a 68-yard passing play and the convert was good once again making it a two touchdown spread.
The Tigers ended the first half scoring with a 20-yard field goal and led the Vikings 24-7 at the half.
There was no scoring in the third quarter, but in the fourth the Vikings' closed the gap when Chadwick hit a 21-yard field goal.
The final score was 24-10 for the Tigers.
The Vikings ground game was impressive Thursday, as Cole Tenetiuk had 14 carries for 143 yards and Frenchamn had 12 touches for 100 yards.
Kyle Stepanic led the team with two catches for 54 yards and Cole Omelchenko passed for 60 yards while tossing one interception.
The Vikings didn't have trouble moving the ball, but it was finishing off drives that was ultimately their downfall, as they had 17 first downs and 299 total offensive yards.
Pita Tuiloma led the defence with seven tackles in the loss and the Vikings forced one interception.
Bishop James Mahoney sit on top of the league at 5-0, Marion Graham is 4-0, Evan Hardy is 4-1, Tommy Douglas and Bedford Road are 1-3 and the Vikings and Mount Royal are 0-4.
Next for the Vikings will be a Thursday evening game in Saskatoon again Mount Royal and they will finish up the regular season Oct. 14 at home against Bedford Road at Beaver Lions Stadium.
