sports

Viking football team enters conference play with winning record

Meghan Gerke and Chloe Pacha • October 8, 2015

Grand View’s football team has faced many challenges this year with the new change in conference. They have dealt with new competitors, a new team and a couple injuries so far.

Derek Fulton, senior quarterback #18, looks for a receiver down field. Fulton is currently the Heart of America Conference Offensive player of the week for his outstanding performance against MidAmerica Nazarene University 36-31.// Viewfinder pdf — Derek Fulton, senior quarterback #18, looks for a receiver down field. Fulton is currently the Heart of America Conference Offensive player of the week for his outstanding performance against MidAmerica Nazarene University 36-31. // VF File Photo

After an loss early in the season against Baker University, the Vikings push to continue their five week winning streak.

“Our very first game of the year, we didn’t know how good the team was, and we were a little young on our offense. Our kids played tough and never gave in, but we couldn’t quite get over the hump,” said head coach, Mike Woodley.

Grand View’s first loss didn’t hold them back from going all in during their next few games.

The Vikings defeated Central Methodist University with a final score of 27-8. They continued to defeat their third week opponent, Evangel University, 47-21 with junior running back Jordan Cheatem #2 winning conference offensive and special teams player of the week.

The following week, Cheatem helped lead the Vikings to victory over Avila University by scoring five touchdowns, dominating the game with the score, 77-7. Cheatem wasn’t the only player that helped lead the Vikings to victory. Brandon Johnson, junior defensive end, was named Heart of America Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Avila as well.

Robert Lewis, senior defensive back #24, runs a intercepted ball back to score for the Vikings. This the first of two interceptions for Lewis during the game against Missouri Valley College.// Viewfinder pdf — Robert Lewis, senior defensive back #24, runs a intercepted ball back to score for the Vikings. This the first of two interceptions for Lewis during the game against Missouri Valley College. // VF File Photo

During the Viking’s homecoming game, Missouri Valley College scored early, but the Vikings didn’t let that get in their way. They matched that score and then scored 5 more touchdowns. Robert Lewis scored one of those touchdowns by running 75 yards after a fumble recovery.

Following up, the Vikings snagged another win against Mid American Nazarene, 36-31. This puts the Grand View’s record at 5-1.

Half way through the season, the Vikings are now entering all conference games and pushing for the conference championship.

“We always have one goal. We only set one goal every year, and that’s to win the conference championship…. it has been for the past 4 years” said Woodley.

Now with a bye week, the Vikings have a chance to recover from injuries and continue to prepare for upcoming conference games.

“They’ll have Thursday, Friday and Saturday to get all rested up. You just want to get healthy during this time and in a low key manor we’re getting ready for our next game.” mentioned Woodley.

The number seventh ranked Vikings play October 17th against the Graceland Yellowjackets. This will begin conference play and test the teams bye week strategies.

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