Team heads to semi-final game against Trenton
By Ed Birch, Special Writer
The game was not even close, but it was certainly a cold one in South Brunswick Friday night as the Vikings advanced in the playoffs.
Despite bitterly cold playing conditions, the Vikings football squad, seeded as number one in the Red Division Central, easily defeated the East Brunswick Bears 39-14.
Head Coach Joe Goerge was able to give most of his starting offense a much-needed rest for most of the second half with a lead of 39-0.
Unfortunately, there was no place for the players or the Vikings hometown faithful crowd to stay warm.
With less than six minutes gone into the first quarter, quarterback Amir Johnson, returning from an ankle injury, hit Wendell Allen with a massive 70-yard scoring pass. After a Matt Golden extra point, the Vikings led 7-0.
Within minutes, a defensive blocked punt led the way for Syracuse-bound Dontae Strickland to run the ball in from the three-yard-line to give the Vikings a 13-0 lead at the end of the first quarter,
Three minutes into the second quarter, Strickland added a 58-yard run followed by another Wendell Allen run of 10 yards, and an Amir Johnson run into the end zone from the one yard line to allow the Vikings to go to the locker room at half time with a powerful 32-0 powerful.
Coach Goerge came out for the second half using mostly his substitutes and junior varsity players.
A Matt Golden run from the 12-yard line, followed by his successful point after, gave the Vikings a 39-0 lead.
This proved to be strongly wanted by the crowd, as the scoring margin now caused the game clock to run continuously in the cold, cold weather.
East Brunswick added some fourth quarter scoring to break the shutout, as Kevin Hemmings had a 26-yard run followed by a one yard finish by Zahir Jackson.
Strickland ended the game with 178 rushing yards in just seven carries, supplemented by Wendell Allen’s 33 yards rushing and Johnson’s 27 yard contribution.
Johnson was a perfect two for two passing for 81 yards in the first half. Wendell Allen was credited with 70 yards receiving and Strickland caught one pass for 11 yards.
On the defensive side, Phil Campbell led the way with eight tackles and Rich Hoff had one quarterback sack.
"We were sloppy tonight," Coach Goerge said following the game as he reacted to several uncharacteristic fumbles, especially on special teams. "When play a team that you beat for the second time, they have to practice all week hard in order to play well."
Coach Goerge also said that East Brunswick has gotten better in the last four weeks.
"We need to get better, there is (still) a ways to go," Coach Goerge said.
The Vikings now face Trenton High School in the semi-final playoff match up at home Friday night.