Photo Courtesy of Darci Walters
Week Three Debrief: New Foe, No Problem for Vikings
By Baylen Hite | 107.3 WRSW
Despite a first time meeting between Tippecanoe Valley and Twin Lakes. The Vikings wasted no time introducing themselves to their opponent on Friday night. The first drive of the game resulted in a pick-6 by Landon Durkes thanks to some great pressure by the Vikings defensive line.
After that it was an ambush of efficient scoring from the Valley offense that led to their first running clock of 2023. The Vikings would beat Twin Lakes 35-7 in front of a packed house at Smith-Bibler Memorial Field on Friday night.
Lets break down what went so well for the Vikings in the game and how they are now (3-0) to start the season.
Quick Start
It is hard to draw up the opening sequence any better than what the Vikings did on Friday night. Landon Durkes got the scoring started for Tippecanoe Valley with his 34 yard pick-6.
The offense followed through after that scoring all 35 points in the 1st half. This marks the 2nd straight week that the Vikings have scored 25 points or more in the 1st half of a game. Through 3 weeks Death Valley is averaging 32.3 points per game.
Throughout the first half Valley showcased everything that has made them a top offense so far. The offensive line was spectacular, the play calling was balanced, and the key playmakers made plays.
Maybe the most impressive thing about the quick start and scoring? 12 different players recorded either a rush or a carry in the win. If Valley continues this balance and depth they will continue to climb the ladder and potentially into the 3A rankings.
Silenced Pre-Season Questions
Its only a small sample size but there were a flurry of questions regarding this upcoming season for Tippecanoe Valley. Everyone was curious how the offensive line would look after a full line change due to graduation. Another question was how would Valley adjust to the new list of opponents outside of the TRC. So far so good on the new schedule with more games to answer the question firmly but we do know is the offensive line has come out strong.
The offensive line occurred an off-season face lift with players at new positions. Take senior leader Dalton Alber for example. Alber was playing fullback a season ago and now anchors the line at guard. Or how about Issiac Ramsey who was playing wide receiver a year ago? The return of Cameron Mason from injury has also been huge for the unit.
Phillip Smith, Dalton Alber, Issiac Ramsey, Asher McGriff, and Cameron Mason have all helped silence offseason concerns of the new offensive line.
12th Man
This was my first time experiencing Smith-Bibler Memorial Field full of kelly green and yellow. I would not want to be an opposing team stepping on to the field to play against Death Valley.
The atmosphere was fantastic and the support from the jump was felt from the moment Landon Durkes intercepted the football to the highlight plays made by Wade Jones and Nate Parker.
I think the most impressive thing was the dedication from the crowd and students to stay all four quarters despite a running clock. If Death Valley continues to garner this support it will be hard to not favor the Vikings in each home matchup.
ICYMI: Area Games and Stat Leaders
Tippecanoe Valley Stat Leaders After Week 3
Offensive Leaders
Passing: Cody Eastgate 386 yards | 6 Touchdowns
Rushing: Nate Parker 385 yards | 3 Touchdowns
Receiving: Wade Jones 155 yards | 3 Touchdowns
Defensive Leaders:
Tackles: Brock Derf 19 Tackles
Tackles for Loss: Dalton Alber 3 TFLs
Sacks: Dalton Alber 2 Sacks
Takeaways: Wade Jones 2 Interceptions
Upcoming Opponents
Week 4: Tipton at West Lafayette | Lost 39-0
Week 5: Culver Academy vs. North Judson | Won 26-22
Week 6: Jimtown vs. Osceola Grace | Won 75-7
Three Rivers Conference Results
Peru beat Lewis Cass 41-14
Manchester beat Wabash 27-21 OT
Maconaquah beat Northfield 20-13
Northern Lakes Conference Results
Wawasee beat Goshen 34-21
Warsaw beat Plymouth 41-7
Northwood beat Concord 45-14
