Pop Warner football: Vikings struggle with top division grid teams Pop Warner football: Vikings struggle with top division grid teams (September 28, 2005)

Almaden Valley's powerful Pop Warner gridders brought a bit more than the Menlo-Atherton Vikings could handle on Saturday, September 24. The locals, who compete in Peninsula Conference Division II, found themselves playing from behind most of the day against the well-drilled and experienced Division I Mustangs from San Jose.

Here are details of the September 24 action:

** Mitey Mites. Isaiah Nash's touchdown salvaged a 6-6 tie for the Vikings, in what turned out to be the best result of the day for the Purple and Gold. The Vikings defense, behind stout efforts from Chris Kober, Nicky Goyle, Cameron Kirkpatrick and Steven Chu, held the visitors in check throughout most of the game. However, the locals failed to capitalize on three separate scoring chances close to the Almaden goal line.

** Junior Pee Wees. Patrick Bruni threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Gaertner on the last play of the first half, then ran for the extra point and a promising 7-6 Vikings lead over the Mustangs. Unfortunately, the visitors scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns as the locals absorbed a heartbreaking 18-7 defeat. Alex Andrighetto recovered two crucial fumbles to keep the Vikings in the game. Hard hitting by Charles Washington, Kahlil James and Keenan Gates helped hold the Mustangs at bay until the final minutes.

** Pee Wees. Travis McHugh had a career day for Menlo-Atherton, scoring on an interception return and two runs from scrimmage, but the Vikings were outgunned by Almaden 39-19. McHugh connected with pass receivers Christian Perkins and Sean Barrett for substantial gains, and M-A scored on a 95-yard drive. Defensive plaudits went to Ben Hadrovic, Paul Wescott, Jesse Perkins and Joey Alstin.

** Junior Midgets. In a rematch of last year's championship game, the Vikings were hammered 28-0 by Almaden. Although M-A mounted a few encouraging drives against the Mustangs, they were unable to stop a relentless San Jose ground attack. The loss evened the Vikings' Junior Midget seasonal record at 2-2.

-- Report by Jim Gallagher of Vikings Boosters

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