Sports
Vinton County Vikings eliminated in first round of Division V playoffs
By: Mia Feeback
Posted on:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOUB) – The Worthington Christian Warriors defeat the Vinton County Vikings 42-8 in the first round of the OHSAA playoffs.
The Worthington Christian Warriors and the Vinton County Vikings would come head to head in the first round of Region 19 in Division V playoffs. The Vikings have something to prove coming into the night, seeded at #11. While the Warriors are sitting as the favorites as the #6 seed. Now that it is playoffs it is win or go home and one team will see it’s season come to an end tonight.
Worthington Christian starts the night off strong on offense. The Warriors make their way down the field with ease, breaking through the Vikings defense. Josh Unger would be the first score on a long touchdown run for Worthington Christian. First possession of the night and points on the board bodes well for the Warriors as they lead 7-0 over the Vikings.
Worthington Christian would get the ball back after forcing Vinton County to punt. They score another touchdown. The Warriors extend their lead over the Vikings 15-0 after going for the 2-point conversion.
Vinton County and Worthington Christian would trade possession until the Vikings are back on offense. Vikings then fumble the snap and Warrior Jayden Gesler makes the recovery Worthington Christian is on offense and they would use this momentum well. The Warriors score on the next drive with another rushing touchdown. They lead over the Vikings 22-0.
With Vinton County back on an offense, they would make another attempt to get down the field. A pass from Viking quarterback Jase Moore get intercepted by Kevin Reynolds. The Warriors would not be able to use this change in possession to their advantage like last time. Vinton County forces Worthington Christian to punt. The Vikings would continue a strong defense through the second quarter. They force Worthington Christian to punt again at 3rd-and-13.
Vinton County would continue to fall short on offense, and after a turnover on downs, it would give Worthington Christian the opportunity to score again. Jack Smolenski would make that next touchdown for the Warriors, putting them ahead of the Vikings 29-0.
Vinton County’s lone score of the night would come soon after. Jace Moore, with the pass to Kole Ousley in the end zone, put the Vikings on the board. Then a pass from Moore to Jacob Thacker for a successful 2-point conversion cut the deficit to 29-8
Worthington Christian would continue to power through the Vinton County defense with two more touchdowns for the night. The Warriors put an end to the Vikings’ season, 42-8.
Worthington Christian will face the #3 seed Columbus Academy in the next round of the Region 19 playoffs. Vinton County will be back out on the gridiron in the 2027 season.