Cheers and tears for final Ventura Homecoming

Vikings roll over CWL, 60-12

It was a Homecoming night to remember in Ventura, as a huge home crowd cheered on the Vikings in their final Homecoming game.  The night will be remembered not only for the huge Viking victory, but also for the alumni and fans who came to say goodbye and remember their alma mater.

    “This was a special game for our kids, fans, and our school,” said Coach Mark Pueggel.
    The Ventura boys took the field with one goal in mind, to prove to their home crowd that Ventura football will always be something to be proud of.  The Vikings scoring got underway on their first possession with Ryan Schmitz finding the endzone on a eight-yard quarterback keeper.  Schmitz’s PAT was also good for a 7-0 lead.
     A beautiful 65-yard TD pass from Schmitz to James Stephenson brought the crowd to their feet.  The kick attempt failed, 13-0.  Joel Watson was the next player to find the endzone, this time on a 26-yard pass from Schmitz.  The PAT was good for a 20-0 first quarter lead.
    Schmitz opened the second quarter with two touchdown runs, one 44-yards and a seven yard run.  The extra points were good for a 33-0 score.  Watson finished off the scoring in the first half with a one yard run.  PAT was good for a halftime score of 41-0.
    Watson started the second half off right with his third touchdown of the night on a seven yard run.  The kick was good, 48-0.
    A missed snap and a recovered fumble set the Panthers up for their first touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter, 48-6.  Sophomore Colton Knutson took over the scoring duties in the fourth quarter, picking up two touchdowns, one on an 18-yard run and the other on a 12-yard run.  Both two point conversion attempts failed for a 60-6 score.  The Panthers scored on the last play.  The final score was 60-12 in favor of the Vikings.
    “I was concerned that our kids would play under a lot of pressure during this game, but they played focused and took care of business from start to finish,” said Pueggel.  “Our offense has been playing well this year and that is a credit to our offensive line and our backs playing great football.”
    Schmitz was 6/7 passing for 129 yards and two touchdowns.  He also carried the ball 15 times for 128 yards for three touchdowns.  On defense he picked up 14 tackles.
    Watson had 16 carries for 80-yards and two touchdowns.  He also had four receptions for 44 yards and one touchdown.  On defense he had 13 tackles.
     Knutson had eight carries for - Read More Via e-Edition