Vikings run away from Jefferson, 55-14
Vale to host Gold Beach Saturday, revenge looming

By Sean Hart
Argus Observer
SeanH@argusobserver.com
Saturday, November 14, 2009 11:34 PM PST

Sean Hart | Argus Observer Vale’s Bryant Haueter runs away from a Jefferson defender late in the second quarter with this 40-yard touchdown pass from Viking quarterback Kyle Barras. Vale defeated Jefferson 55-14 in the first-round of the 3A state playoffs.

VALE —The streets were nearly empty Saturday, and the few cars on the road turned onto Viking Drive and into the parking lot at Frank Hawley Stadium to join the crowd adorned in black and white.

The sea of Viking faithful cheered their hometown team to a commanding victory over the Jefferson Lions in the first round of the 3A high school football playoffs.

“It was awesome seeing the community come out for this game,” Jefferson head coach David Bailey said, after suffering a 55-14 loss to the Vikings in their territory.

“Coming in and seeing the tailgaters lined up, it was kind of like playing in Texas,” he said.

The Vale fans were out in force from before the game until halftime — when a 55-6 home-team lead and the chilly weather emptied about half of the grandstand — and Viking head coach Jeff Jacobs said he was lucky to have been part of so many playoff games in Vale.

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“I have a lot of good memories about playing here on a Saturday afternoon,” Jacobs said. “Everything is just more vibrant.”

The difference in climate and the long trip to Vale give the Vikings a “distinct advantage” when hosting games, Jacobs said.

Not to mention the fans.

“It’s always nice to see people supporting the team,” Jacobs said. “It’s better to have that support and take the criticism than be in a situation where no one cares what you’re doing.”

In Vale, the weenies are probably already in the marinade for next week’s tailgate party. The Vikings will host the Gold Beach Panthers Saturday in the second round of the playoffs, Jacobs said.

“The competition definitely stiffens as you progress through the playoffs. It becomes a little more of a mental game at this point,” Jacobs said. “I definitely think these guys, over the course of the season, have learned to be mentally tough.”

After starting the season with a 1-3 record, the Vikings have now amassed a six-game winning streak.

“The kids got tired of getting beat, and their overall attitude and intensity improved. They came to practice ready to roll, and it made a big difference,” Jacobs said. “This team’s tough, and I think we’re going to be a tough out in the playoffs.”

Lifestyle Editor Sean Hart can be contacted at

SeanH@argusobserver.com.