The North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings went into Friday night's football game against the Evan Hardy Souls out of Saskatoon with a 1-1 record on the season and looked to start their home schedule on a positive note.
The game started well for NBCHS under the lights at Beaver Lions Stadium as the team worked up the field on the strength of Keegan Horrell running the ball. The Vikings weren't able to score on the drive and it resulted in a punt.
Both teams were led by strong defence for most of the quarter and neither came close to the end zone. The Vikings got an interception from Matthew Charabin with less than two minutes to play, but again couldn't find the end zone.
Right when it looked like the first quarter would end tied at zeros, Souls quarterback Davis Remenda hit Gordon Elliot with a pass and Elliot ran it all the way in for a touchdown on a 65-yard pass and catch.
The Souls made it 9-0 early in the second quarter with a safety and had the momentum until Charabin took it right back with his second pick of the game. Unfortunately for the Vikings, the next play ended with quarterback Kjell Graupe being sacked and losing the ball. The Souls went on to score a single point before half time to make it 10-0 at the break.
The second half saw Horrell score a pair of touchdowns, but the Souls had a touchdown and a safety of their own and the Vikings ended up losing their home opener by a score of 19-12.
NBCHS is back at home Friday as they host Bedford Road. That game will also be at Beaver Lions Stadium and is set to start at 6:30 p.m.
