GUERNSEY – Injuries took out three Viking starters Sept. 19 as they lost a close fought game to Cheyenne Central.

After building a solid first half lead and maintaining it through three quarters, Cheyenne Central clawed its way back into the game and with 8:28 left in the ballgame, took their first lead of the game and held on for a 33-31 victory.

Hunter Warner, Chase Thompson and Brock hohnholt, all key position starters were out for the game, and although the rest of the team banded together, they just couldn’t sustain the momentum for four quarters.

The stats were kind to Guernsey, though the final score was not.

The Vikings outgained the Bison in total offense with 388 yards to 222 yards.  Guernsey also had almost 20 more plays and controlled the time and tempo on the field. The Vikings’ Brian McCoid had a stellar game as far as completions, with 20 for 29 and 230 yards with four touchdowns. McCoid also added 40 yards rushing. The problem was the three interceptions, and it was evident that McCoid was missing his leading receiver in Brock Hohnholt as the timing was not always crisp.

Another bad break was another special teams touchdown, which once again took the wind out of the Vikings sails. The Vikings also had a touchdown called back due to a penalty and then on an ensuing scoring threat with Guernsey in the red zone, a key interception stopped the momentum.

Justin Malcom had another great game for the Vikings, gaining 114 yards on the ground, picking up 68 yards receiving, and amassing 9 solo tackles including some bone jarring hits that brought “oohs and ahhs” from the crowd.

Rawland Isabell also picked up the slack for the injured Vikings, as he was the team’s leading receiver pulling in six catches for 89 yards and picking off a pass on defense. Tristan Hohnholt also added some great assists with 6 receptions for 74 yards, and had five tackles.

The bottom line was turnovers and penalties for the Vikings, two things which can negate a great looking stats sheet.

“I’m so proud of my guys,” said Viking Head Coach Curtis Cook. “Any time you lose starters to injury and illness it’s tough, especially when you lose three in the same week.  We got tired in the second half but being shorthanded will do that and we need to cut down on the penalties.Those two things did us in but the experience of a 4th quarter drive for the win that just came up a kick short is experience you can’t get in practice so that was big for our young team.”

The Vikings are back in action Saturday at 5 p.m. when Hanna-Elk Mountain comes to town.