Vinton County’s upset hopes fall short against Columbus East
By: Donovan Varney
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOUB) — The 14 seed Vinton County Vikings traveled to Columbus to face the three seeded East Tigers in this year’s playoff matchup. The Tigers bested the Vikings 34-14 after an impressive second half.
The first quarter started off slow as both teams were either forced to punt or had a turnover on downs. It wasn’t until later that quarterback Wayne “Tre” Lindsay connected with wide receiver CJ Swanson on a 20-yard touchdown pass to put the Tigers ahead. After a missed two-point conversion, East led with the score of 6-0.
Moving on to the second quarter, Vinton County was able to capitalize off of an East fumble. With good field position to start, Vikings running back Garrett Brown found the end zone from twenty yards out. After the extra point, the Vikings led 7-6.
The Tigers responded to the Vikings touchdown quickly with one of their own. Running back Taizaun Burns took one in from 15-yards out. After another failed two-point conversion the Tigers led 12-7.
The Vikings started their next drive off with good field position after Layne Haybron returned the kick off past midfield. Their drive ended after quarterback Parker Shonborn’s pass got intercepted by Kemua Woods-Law. The Tigers were unable to capitalize, and the score remained 12-7 going into the half.
The third quarter began with the Vikings driving down the field and turning the ball over again. While the Tigers were not able to score off of the turnover, they would their next drive with Taizaun Burns rushing it in from 10 yards out. A successful two-point try would give the Tigers a 20-7 lead.
The Vikings next drive was spoiled by yet another turnover. This time, it would be Tre Lindsay intercepting Shonborn’s pass.
Lindsay’s interception gave the Tigers plenty momentum going into the fourth quarter. Burns found the end zone for the third time tonight on the ground. The score was now 28-7 after a successful two point try.
Another Vikings turnover on downs gave the Tigers another chance to score. This time Kemua Woods-Law ran in from 55-yards out to put the Tigers up 34-7.
The Vikings weren’t done yet as Haybron rushed 59-yards down the field on a double reverse to set up the Shonborn rushing touchdown. The Vikings trailed 34-14.
The Vikings didn’t seem to have an answer for Burns tonight on defense. He finished the game with three rushing touchdowns.
This loss would close the door on what was an impressive season for Vinton County.