Menlo-Atherton Vikings teams contending for Peninsula Conference Pop Warner championships were whittled from three to one over the Nov. 4-5 weekend. Following is a summary of the results.
Junior PeeWees: Early in their Nov. 5 semifinal playoff game against the Gilroy Browns, the Vikings realized the Browns couldn’t stop M-A tailback Khalil (Lil) James. The result: James carried more than a dozen times for three touchdowns in a 26-7 Vikings victory at Terra Nova High in Pacifica. James’ scoring runs of 30 and 11 yards, together with a 48-yard fumble return by Campbell Roellig, nudged M-A to an 18-7 halftime advantage. Another James score of three yards, plus a two-point conversion kick by Dominic Andrighetto, put the game out of reach in the third quarter. On Nov. 12 at 8 a.m., the Vikings play for the Division II Peninsula Conference championship at Woodside High against Hollister, the only team to defeat them this season.
PeeWees: Although they rallied to overcome a halftime deficit, the Vikings were evicted from playoff contention with an 18-7 loss to Delta Bay. Trailing 6-0 at the half, Menlo-Atherton used a 40-yard pass from Marcus Prioste to Marcus Franklin to set up Sean Barrett’s touchdown run. Prioste passed to Barrett for the go-ahead conversion. However, a critical interception led to Delta Bay’s deciding score, and the Brentwood team added a late touchdown for the final margin. For the Vikes, Talausi (T) Teu’s interception set up the touchdown drive. Other defensive standouts included Wyman Boyd, Alex Lopez, Jack Heneghan, Michael Falepouono, Dylan Kappeler and Keenan Gates.
Midgets: A 7-6 halftime lead wasn’t quite enough for the Vikings on Nov. 4 in Hollister, as the Sunnyvale Knights charged from behind for a 20-7 victory. Tavasa Pale slashed for the Vikings touchdown after a fumble recovery, and Josiah Paye passed to Marquise Tolson for the conversion. A Vikings drive was spoiled by a third-quarter penalty, and Sunnyvale cashed in with a 70-yard breakaway. With a minute left, Sunnyvale scored the clincher. Winding up the season with strong defensive games for the Vikings were Leo Tovo, Brian Munks, Dante Andrighetto and Buck Stanek. Defensive back Brandon Gibson shut down the Knights’ heralded passing game. With the loss, many M-A Midgets concluded their Pop Warner careers, and will be joining the Vikings exodus to high school rosters in 2007.
