Vikings Slash Bulldogs In A 50-21 Rout
By: Bryce Tinson, Mitch Mollison
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MCARTHUR, Ohio (WOUB) – Fresh off their first win of the season, Athens (1-3) travelled to McArthur to take on Vinton County (2-1). The Bulldogs were looking to kick off a win streak against a team who had cancelled their last game against Meigs due to COVID-19 issues, and lost the week prior to Zane Trace.
Athens immediately set the tone with a kick return touchdown by sophomore Marcus Stevers to open the game. Right off the bat we would see both teams exchanging scores, Vinton County running back Gabe Sashke delivered by having a huge run where he got chased down at Athens 12-yard line which ended up setting up a response from the Vikings. Sashke would continue to have a very impressive night. With a lot of physical chippy play, both teams wanted to come out striking.
Landon Wheatley coming back last week after being out for two weeks, was able to deliver the first half. Hitting one of his favorite targets Levi Neal the Junior tight end was able to outrun the defender and give his team six. Their connection would occur a few more times where that connection would try and keep the momentum on the bulldog’s side. Wheatley made big plays on the in the air and on the ground in the first half. Giving himself a rushing touchdown of his own to finish off the first half with the lead. But the second half was a different story, all the momentum shifted to the Vikings.
Game plan for the second half, POUND THE ROCK. And Gabe Sashke understood the assignment. Sashke finished the game with 233 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Completely shifting the momentum for his team and keeping it that way for the rest of the game. The Bulldogs defense could not keep him contained.
Athens top players of the game were junior quarterback Landon Wheatley and Junor tight end Levi Neal. Wheately, Finished with 178 passing yards and one passing touchdown. Neal finished the game with 5 receptions for 112 yards. Vinton Counties two players of the game were Gabe Sashke and Zayne Karr, the ultimate running back duo for tonight. Zayne finished with 188 rushing yards and a touchdown. Combined they had 421 total rushing yards and six touchdowns. The rest of the team, Had 81 rushing yards.
It was a physical game with both teams having something to prove. But in the end, Vinton County’s rushing offense was too much and helped give the Vikings a dominating win.