Vikings lose by 46, Irish continue dominance

PALOUSE — The Garfield-Palouse (GAR-PAL) Vikings, who started the season 2-0, faced their toughest opponent yet in the DeSales Irish Friday, Sept. 15.

The game was played in Walla Walla.

The Vikings would score 14 quick points in the first quarter, but gave up 24, then 24 in the second quarter, followed by 22 in the third quarter to give the Vikings their first loss of the season. The final score was 78-32 in favor of the Irish.

With the loss, the Vikings move to a tie for second-best in the district. They are tied with three other teams, including DeSales. Liberty Christian currently sit atop the district with their 3-0 record.

In this game, Vikings quarterback Bryce Pfaff threw a beautiful 52 yard passing touchdown to Lane Collier to put the Vikings on the board first, leading 8-0 after the successful two-point conversion.

The Irish would respond with a 57-yard touchdown run to even the score at eight.

Later in the quarter, Pfaff would complete a 34 yard touchdown passing play, this time to Kaleb Kelnhofer. The Vikings would lead 14-8.

After trailing in the first quarter, the Irish scored two quick rushing touchdowns to take the lead back, heading into the second quarter leading 24-14.

Pfaff would score a rushing touchdown of his own in the second quarter, cutting the lead to just four, bringing life back into the Vikings eyes.

Their lifeline would soon be cut short, however, as Pfaff’s touchdown run was the last score the Vikings would get until the third quarter.

The Irish took over in the second quarter, scoring three touchdowns, and converting on all three two-points to head into the halftime locker room up 48-20.

The Irish struck first in the third quarter, but were quickly countered by GAR-PAL, who scored a 26 yard passing touchdown. The Vikings would now trail by 30.

The Vikings would not score again until the fourth quarter, when Pfaff scored a rushing touchdown to give the Vikings 32 points on the day, but the Irish would score 78, winning the game decisively.

Pfaff finished with 217 passing yards for three touchdowns and one interception. He also would rush for another 106 yards and score twice.

Collier caught seven passes for 124 yards and one touchdown for the Vikings.

The next football game for GAR-PAL will be played Friday, Sept. 22. The game will be played in Palouse against Sunnyside Christian, with kick off set for 7 p.m.