Pop Warner Viking report: October 10 games Pop Warner Viking report: October 10 games (October 13, 2004)

By Jim Gallagher
Viking Boosters

The Viking Pee Wees, Junior and Senior, provided the fireworks Sunday as Pop Warner football teams scrambled for playoff berths. The Menlo-Atherton Junior Pee Wees topped the Mountain View Marauders 20-0, while their older counterparts drubbed the Morgan Hill Raiders 33-12.

The Viking Junior Midgets are looking to regain their early-season magic after dropping a 16-0 verdict to Mountain View. In non-scoring Mitey Mite action, the Viking Gold trampled West Bay, but the Purple found tougher sledding against Mountain View.

Mitey Mite Gold

Kesean Johnson and Andre Guzman paced a Viking scoring avalanche with two touchdowns apiece, supplementing single touchdowns by Scott MacKenzie and Stephen Chu. Weston Izzi, enjoying a monster season at linebacker, broke up the Bayside offense, aided by Royce Branning and Adam Bonham. The Viking offensive line continued its excellent midseason form.

Mitey Mite Purple

The Vikings gave up their first scores of the season, a first-quarter safety and last-play touchdown--both disputed calls--but fought through their toughest test to date against the Mountain View Marauders. Khalil (Lil) James dashed 76 yards for the Vikings' only score in the fourth quarter. Landon Baty shook off a first-quarter injury to make some late defensive plays, and Ryan Gaertner, Isiah Nash, Chris Williams and Ryan Roberts all contributed timely stops.

Junior Pee Wees

Rebounding from last week's disappointment, the Juniors manhandled Mountain View behind two breakaway touchdowns by Travis McHugh. Patrick Bruni scored on a quarterback keeper, and Sean Barrett and Keenan Gates ran for conversions. On defense, Jake Britschgi, Dylan Kappelar and Scott Zimmerman joined Barrett and McHugh as Viking standouts.

Pee Wees

Chris Gaertner tallied three touchdowns, in addition to scores from Marquise Tolson and Wes Hagman, and the Vikings had little trouble with the Morgan Hill Raiders. Matthew Diaz anchored an increasingly effective offensive line. On defense, Kevin Ferrari was credited by the coaching staff with "the game of his life," in addition to strong performances from Mike Culhane and Jack Brodie. "Coach Chris Kober's job with the offensive line is giving us a chance to get into the playoffs," said Head Coach John Paye Sr.

Junior Midgets

The oldest of the Viking squads will try to regain their winning touch after a 16-0 shellacking from the Mountain View Marauders on Sunday.

Tough and aggressive, the Marauders mounted a punishing ground game, virtually shut down the Viking offense, and forced countless key turnovers. The Marauders played just enough defense to get by, although Viking running backs Anthony Andrighetto and Rod Nash both got loose for exciting runs. Fumbles, interceptions and penalties plagued the Vikings from start to finish. Blocking and tackling likely will be featured activities at this week's practice.

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