by University Heights, Ohio – The VASJ Vikings defeated the host Benedictine Bengals, 33-22, at Shula Stadium Friday night.
It was the Viking defense that helped the team get off to a great start with a fumble recovery by Devon Paul-Ragland on the game’s opening kickoff. One play later, De’Angelo White rushed for a 22 yard touchdown run. The extra point was good, and VASJ led 7-0.
Later in the quarter, senior Savion Lewis had the first of his two interceptions, giving the Vikings great field position. However, they came away empty handed due to a missed field goal. Â After forcing a punt, the Vikings found the end zone as senior TJ Moore rushed for a three yard touchdown, increasing the lead to 13-0.
Benedictine got on the board as junior quarterback Gio Iacampo executed a quarterback sneak on fourth down and goal at the one. The ensuing PAT would trim the Viking lead to 14-7. On the next VASJ drive, senior quarterback Joseph Efford found Savion Lewis down the left sideline for a spectacular catch. Two plays later, Efford snuck into the end zone, increasing the lead to 20-7 with 1:41 left in the half.
Kayden Forte had a great return on the ensuing kickoff, giving Benedictine great field position. The Bengals would capitalize as Iacampo found John Jones Jr. for a 15 yard touchdown reception with 35 seconds left in the half.
With their lead now at 20-14, TJ Moore took the ensuing kickoff deep into Bengal territory. The Vikings would attempt a 35-yard field goal, but the snap was fumbled and the loose ball went out of bounds.
Nevertheless, the Vikings came out scoring to open up the second half. TJ Moore rushed for his second touchdown of the game, this time from four yards out, increasing the lead to 27-14. They would add to their lead a short time later as Savion Lewis stepped in front of a Gio Iacampo pass and took it 55 yards to the house for a touchdown. As a result of Lewis’ second interception, VASJ led 33-14, just over two minutes into the third quarter.
Benedictine would recover a fumble later in the quarter, as Nnaoma Nzekwe scooped up a loose ball and returned it into VASJ territory. However, the Vikings came up with a big stop, getting the ball back on downs.
The Bengals would score with 1:48 left as Gio Iacampo found Patrick Shea for an eight yard touchdown. Jonathan Spikes ran in the ensuing two-point try, cutting the deficit to 33-22.
Benedictine attempted an onside kick that went out of bounds, giving the ball back to VASJ, effectively icing the game.
The VASJ Vikings move to 7-1 and will host Delaware Hayes next Friday, October 24th to conclude the regular season.
The Benedictine Bengals drop to 6-2 and will host St. Vincent-St. Mary’s next Friday October 24th to conclude the regular season.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Savion Lewis (Sr.) VASJ
The senior two-way athlete caught three passes for 77 yards, including a highlight-worthy one-hander late in the first half. He also picked off a pair of passes, returning one for a third quarter score.
Extended highlights below:
