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In the end, it was another win for undefeated Marysville-Pilchuck, who extended its regular season winning streak to 17 games. The final score was 36-20, but really, Lake was one play away from possibly winning this game. Early in the first quarter, Lake put together a long drive after forcing an M-P three and out. Brennan Frost broke off a 60 yard run, and Lake had first and goal at the eight. Unfortunately, Frost fumbled on the next play, and M-p scooped it up and ran 80 yards, setting up a TD on the next play. A two touchdown swing. And Lake lost by two touchdowns.
This is nothing to hand heads about, this is simply to illustrate how far the Vikings have come since last week's loss at Jackson. Let's take a look at some of the positives.
Lake is in second place in Wesco North with a 2-1 record and controls its own destiny. Oak Harbor and Snohomish both lost tonight, and Lake has a full game lead over its closest competitor. Remember, there are THREE playoff slots in Wesco North.
On the field, the statistics show a marked improvement in many of the areas the Vikings have struggled in. They cut down on the penalties - only four for 22 yards tonight. The offensive line was strong, allowing just one sack - and that came on the last play of the game.
Lake went head to head with a powerful M-P team. Two telling statistics - total yards: M-P 415, Lake 414. Also, first downs gained: Lake 17, M-P 17.
Lake fought back after being shutout in the first half, putting 22 points on the board. Senior RB Brennan Frost was arguably more explosive than M-P's Austin Denton, and averaged more yards per carry than Denton. QB Bryson Daggett continues to show a knack for strong fourth quarter play. Tonight in the fourth, Daggett was 9/11 passing for 100 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.
Let's toss some game balls around.
Game Balls:
QB Bryson Daggett - 22/36 passing for 278 yards 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions.
Daggett tossed two interceptions, but showed leadership and toughness in battling through a slew of dropped passes and continuing to fight. His fourth quarter performance was sterling and gives the Vikes' offense something to build on.
RB Brennan Frost - 14 carries for 142 yards
Aside from the first quarter fumble, Frosty was the most dangerous player on the field. He broke two runs over 40 yards and played through a devastating second quarter hit. It wouldn't hurt the Vikes to figure out how to get the ball to this guy20+ times per game.
WR/S Chameron Lackey - 14 tackles, 6 receptions for 67 yards, 2 rushes for 11 yards, one TD.
Lackey was all over the field. On offense, he worked the middle of the field and made key catches. He came in at QB and scored on a one yard keeper. He was second on the team in tackles.
Offensive line: Only one sack allowed (on the meaningless last play) and opened holes allowing Frost to gallop 142 yards. Did a great job of neutralizing the twin 325 pound tackles.
It's also worth noting that the Vikings are the first team this season to hold Denton under 200 yards, although he did batter the Vikings to the tune of 27 carries and 190 yards with three touchdowns.
From here on out, the schedule gets much easier, and the Vikings have a legitimate chance to run the table, especially if they play like they did tonight. Next week is Homecoming versus a shaky Monroe team, the at Oak Harbor, and finally home versus Snohomish in the last game at Lake Stevens Stadium. All in all, things are looking up for this young and improving team.
Notes: LB/S Brandon Belcher led the Vikes with 15 tackles...Junior Kody Dinh got the start at RG and did well...LB Jason Mendel was excellent, adding 13 tackles and two for a loss, also recovered a fumble...WR Brandon Preslar caught five balls for 84 yards...WR Tyler Reside caught four balls for 63 yards and a TD...WR Arvid Isaksen battled through a bad sprained ankle and caught five balls for 55 yards...Stanwood defeated Oak Harbor tonight 47-39 in a Wesco North matchup.