by Cleveland, Ohio – The VASJ Vikings got a late defensive stop to defeat the Columbus St. Francis DeSales Stallions, 20-17, at Gutbrod Field.
Friday night’s matchup was the first meeting between the two teams since 1968.
It didn’t take long for the Vikings to get things going. On the second play of the game, Jerry Black picked off an RJ Day pass, setting VASJ up in Stallion territory. From there, the Vikings drove the remaining 44 yards, capping things with a one-yard touchdown run from sophomore Julian Harris.
DeSales responded with a 41 yard field goal coming from senior kicker Ryan Bangert, cutting their deficit to 6-3. On the ensuing kickoff, senior Jamir Martemus returned it 97 yards to the end zone for a touchdown. This time, the point after was successful, increasing the Viking lead to 13-3.
The Vikings defense was more than up to the task in the first half, making things difficult for the DeSales offense. They came up with another interception, thanks to sophomore defensive back Braylon Boyd.
Late in the first half, DeSales drove down the field, capping things off when RJ Day found senior Dax Middleton for a 23 yard touchdown reception. They would get the ball back when Virginia Tech commit Jordan Karloff recovered a fumble.
Junior defensive back Jonah Johnson nabbed the Vikings third pick of the game two plays later. One kneel down later and the VASJ Vikings took a 13-10 advantage into the locker room.
The Vikings looked to increase their lead, and got a big play when Julian Harris found Louisville commit DeAngelo White for a big gain to the DeSales 19.
But the Stallion defense came up with a big play as Kaleb Johnson picked off a fourth-down pass. Thanks to a long run by RJ Day plus a personal foul penalty on VASJ, the Stallions found themselves in Viking territory.
Columbus St. Francis DeSales took the lead when RJ Day connected with Dax Middleton for the second time, this time from five yards out. The Stallions took the lead for the first time, 17-13, with 38 seconds left in the third quarter.
VASJ responded thanks to a 39 yard touchdown run from junior tailback Leontae Wright, taking a 20-17 lead with 9:29 left.
DeSales looked to respond, but the Viking defense forced a punt. The Stallions got a stop of their own, but were forced to use one of their timeouts in the process. With 2:53 left, St. Francis DeSales had the ball with a chance to tie or win the game.
But the VASJ defense came up with a huge sack thanks to seniors Antonio Hodges and Montrae Stubbs.
Facing fourth-and-20, RJ Day rolled out and was forced to scramble out of the pocket. He eventually found Josh Elgin, but the completion was short of the line to gain. The Vikings ran out the remainder of the clock to ice the victory.
VASJ improves to 2-2 and hosts Garfield Heights next Friday, September 18th.
Columbus St. Francis DeSales drops to 3-1 and hosts River Rouge (Michigan) next Friday, September 18th.
Extended highlights below:
