Charlo wins overtime thriller
Chance Firestone turns upfield against Twin Bridges earlier this year. He's been doing a great job on both offense and defense. Ethan Smith/Leader
Zach Urness - Leader Staff
ALBERTON—The Vikings pulled off a dramatic overtime victory last Friday, as Cody Nitschke scampered eight yards for the winning touchdown in a back-and-forth game, giving the Vikings the 34-28 win.
The victory gave Charlo their second win in a row and third of the season, moving them to 3-4 overall and pulling them into the middle of the Western C football standings.
"We played hard the whole game," said head coach Steve Love. "I was real impressed with our guys heart."
The two teams battled to a 14-14 tie at halftime but Charlo took control in the third quarter, scoring a touchdown and completing the two-point conversion to take a 22-14 lead.
The Vikings added another touchdown in the fourth quarter but Alberton rallied with two scores of their own, tying the game at 28 each and sending the game into overtime, setting the stage for Nitschke's heroics.
"It was one of those games you hate to see someone lose but we were awful happy with the win," said Love of his team's victory.
J.P Toussaint was the player of the game for Charlo, carrying the ball for 75 yards and two touchdowns. He added another touchdown through the air and had four solo tackles and six assists on defense.
Clay Hoyt did a good job distributing the ball, going 10 of 18 passing for 134 yards and two touchdowns and Jeff Bucholz had five catches for 78 yards and one touchdown.
Jame Petersen led the defense with one interception, two solo tackles and four assists.
The Vikings look to make it three in a row this Wednesday as they took on the winless Noxon Red Devils Wednesday at home. Results were unavailable by press time.
"Noxon will be hungry for a win this Wednesday," said Love, "and we can't go on vacation and overlook them."