Article written by Viking Staff Writer, Mr. Matthew Reynolds
Photos by Saga Yearbook Staff
Friday night lights returned to Viking Stadium this past Friday night.
To open the 2024 season, the TCHS Vikings played host to the Hurricanes of Jasper County. The Vikings prevailed over the larger classification Hurricanes 21-7.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Hurricanes marched inside the 10 yard line, before fumbling with the Vikings recovering.
The Vikings were not able to take advantage of the turnover, and punted the ball away. This time the Hurricanes would not be denied, marching down the field for a touchdown to go up 7-0 with 6:51 left in the first half.
On the following kickoff return, senior Kimonni Saunders electrified the Viking crowd with an 80 yard touchdown return. The point after was no good making the score 7-6 Hurricanes.
In the third quarter the Hurricanes put the ball on the ground again with the fumble being recovered by sophomore Trace Hill for the Vikings.
The Vikings would take advantage of the turnover with junior QB Kaden Hinton finding senior AJ Wilder in the endzone for an 18 yard TD reception.
On the 2 point conversion Hinton found junior Chandler Lawhorn for the successful 2 point conversion making the score 14-7 Vikings.
The Viking defense began to take over the game aided by another fumble recovery byTrace Hill. The Viking running game got going with some hard running by senior Markalan Newton to shave some time off the clock.
In the fourth quarter QB Hinton found Kimonni Saunders for a 40 yard touchdown pass. The extra point from senior Brayden Ellison was good to make the final score 21-7.
Join us this Friday night at Viking Stadium as the mighty Vikings welcome the Bulldogs of Wheeler County.
The Bulldogs come into week 2 at 0-1 after a loss to Wilkinson County.