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Vikings shutout Pride to win third straight
Some of the loudest cheers from Loudoun Valley's sideline surfaced during the final series of the Vikings' 35-0 victory over host Heritage Oct. 30 in Leesburg.
Though the Viking offense produced five touchdowns, it was a defensive unit closing in on its third shutout of the season that got the biggest rise from the sideline.
Valley's defense delivered a couple of big hits on the Pride's final drive that ended on the Viking eight-yard line as time expired.
"They've done an outstanding job," Viking coach Danny McGrath said of his defense. "They don't get the publicity. I don't think they mind it. But I always like to show a little love their way because they've done a great job."
The Vikings (2-1 in the Cedar Run, 6-3 overall) have allowed just 32 points in their six wins this season.
"Defense as a whole, I think we are one of the best," Valley senior linebacker Zach Bolan said. "We have a lot of players like Kevin Wiley and Tyler Ikwild that step it up a lot. We have a powerful defense and we love to hit."
Friday's victory gave the Vikings their first three-game winning streak since the 2005 season. Valley also avenged a 21-17 home loss to Heritage on Sept. 25.
"I'm very happy for them," McGrath said. "I'm very happy with the way they play and the way they prepare. I'm just very excited to see them starting to realize their potential."
Wiley, a junior linebacker who has emerged as a key offensive threat in recent weeks, rushed for 57 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries.
Quarterback Andrew Taylor continued his stellar junior season, connecting with junior Garret Kranias on touchdown completions of nine and 13 yards.
Taylor also hooked up with senior Kyle Kohnen on a long pass that appeared destined for the end zone when Kohnen fumbled inside the 10-yard line. The play still resulted in a touchdown when sophomore Harrison Jackson pounced on Kohnen's fumble in the end zone.
Heritage (1-2, 2-7) was shorthanded offensively as sophomore quarterback Austin Nelson missed the game with the flu. Nelson has passed for nearly 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2009.
Versatile senior David McCarthy filled in admirably at quarterback, but was held to 29 passing yards. McCarthy gained a large chunk the Pride's total yards with his feet, collecting 93 yards on 27 carries.
The victory kept the Vikings in contention for a playoff berth in Division 6 of the Northwest Region. Valley can most likely punch its ticket for the playoffs with a victory at home in its regular season finale Nov. 6. But it won't be easy as undefeated Battlefield (9-0) visits Purcellville.
"Our back has been against the wall for three games now and this is another one," McGrath said. "We want to get that one just because it's the next opportunity. It's another opportunity to play a football game and that's what we'll look at it as. They are a very good football program and we'll give them our best shot."
Loudoun Valley 35, Heritage 0
First Quarter
LV: Kranias 9 pass from Taylor (O'Connor kick), 3:35
Second Quarter
LV: Wiley 48 run (O'Connor kick), 2:44
Third Quarter
LV: Wiley 5 run (kick blocked), 11:02
LV: Jackson fumble recovery in end zone (Nelson run), 4:46
Fourth Quarter
LV: Kranias 13 pass from Taylor (O'Connor kick), 7:49
Individual Leaders
Passing: LV-Taylor (13 of 20 for 227 yards, 2 TD, Int.); H-McCarthy (5 of 11 for 29 yards, Int.)
Rushing: LV-Wiley (5 for 57 yards, 2 TD), Simmons (13 for 43 yards), Thompson (7 for 35 yards); H-McCarthy (27 for 93 yards), Pratz (3 for 31 yards), Summers (6 for 26 yards)
Receiving: LV-Kranias (4 for 83 yards, 2 TD), Kohnen (4 for 79 yards), Evans (4 for 36 yards); H-Summers (3 for 21 yards)
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