The last time Bishop James Mahoney lost a 3A regular season football game was in 2008. The North Battlefords Comprehensive High School Vikings had the unfortunate task of playing the Saints in the first game of the regular season Thursday in Saskatoon.
The Saints, who were 7-0 last season and outscored their opponents 227-52, started were they left off with a 58-0 shutout against the Vikings.
Vikings quarterback Taylor Reiley was seven for 12 for 37 yards passing, but also threw three interceptions in his first game under centre.
Coach Jamie Sommerfeld said the he envisioned the Vikings as a ground and pound team this season. Austin Heintz led the way on the ground with 10 carries for 24 yards. The Vikings had 56 total yards rushing.
Tanner Craig, who has moved from defence last season to offence this season, had three catches, as did Cory Baynham.
The Vikings trailed 10-0 after the first quarter, 28-0 at half time and 35-0 after the third quarter.
Dane Shury led the Vikings defensively with three tackles. Dustin Bohse had two sacks for the Vikings while Connor Loy had one.
The Saints ran the ball for 97 yards and passed for 94.
Moving into week two of the season, the Vikings will need to be on their game against Prince Albert St. Mary at Beaver Lions Stadium. Also the Vikings will need to clean up the penalties, as they were flagged 10 times for 75 yards.
The Saints improve their record to 20-0 over the past three regular seasons and have outscored their opponents 818-155 during that span.
