The Vashon Island Pirates made their maiden voyage to Orcas Island to test the Vikings in the season non-league opening game last Saturday at Dahl Field. The two evenly matched rivals spent the sunny afternoon fighting to a a tie in regulation play with the Vikings ultimately winning a 42-41 dramatic victory in overtime.
Vashon struck on their first possession in a passing and run attack but Viking quarterback Daniel Briggs responded quickly connecting with receiver Devon Stanzione for the Vikings’ first score and highlight catch of the day. Combining short passes and scrambling for yards, Briggs lead the Vikings to a 14-7 lead after fullback Jake Zier flattened Pirates on a touchdown run. Vashon responded and tied 14-14. Great field position after a Stanzione spinning and dicing kick off return, the Vikings forged for another score, leading 21-14. By half time, Vashon had tied the score.
Pirate quarterback Nick Amundsen opened the third quarter testing the Viking defense with option sweeps and taking the lead 27-21, but missing the critical extra point kick. After another great Stanzione kick return, Briggs hit receiver Demitri Pence for yardage then Zier broke away for another punishing touchdown run, taking the lead 28-27. As the Viking rushing and passing stalled, field goal weapon Jack Russillo nailed a field goal, giving Orcas an edge 31-27. The Pirates scored on a late fourth quarter Viking fumble and took the lead 34-31. With little time and the Viking offense exhausted, Russillo launched a clutch 38 yard field goal tying the score 34-34 at the end of regulation.
The Pirates scored on their first possession in overtime, tightening the noose on the weathered Vikings, leading 41-34. But Viking power was to rise again, with the home crowd cheering, the boys in blue pushed the Pirates back to their 5 yard line for a short score by Zier to tie the game. After an off sides penalty against the Pirates, the ball just off the goal line, Orcas Coach Scott Harris called for fullback Zier to pound in the two point conversion, winning the nail-biter 42-41.
“I am proud of our kids,” Harris said. “We had 13 eligible to play and they all battled and contributed. Most kids never left the field! We have to improve to be the team I think we can mature into.”
Stats: Briggs 112 passing yards, 1 TD; Stanzione, 71 receiving yards, 1 TD; Pence 35 receiving yards; Zier 291 rushing yards, 4 TD’s, 1 extra point run.
The Vikings play Pemberton, BC on Sept. 8 at Dahl Field.
