GMC Showdown: Princeton takes control of GMC with 27-24 win over Lakota West
Princeton and Lakota West battle for the GMC crown
The Vikings and Firebirds traveled to Roettger Field at 7 p.m. to play each other in a critical game for the Greater Miami Conference. Whoever won this game would have a good chance to win the GMC Championship, and the high stakes were felt as the arena was loud and crowded with fans from both teams.
The game started off slow with a field goal from the Firebirds. The Firebirds then got two interceptions against the Vikings quarterback Monsanna Torbert, but were unable to capitalize with points.
Torbert would respond by scoring a rushing touchdown which gave the Vikings a 7-3 lead.
The Firebirds defense would continue to be a problem for the Vikings as they fumbled the ball this time.
The Firebirds proceeded to score a touchdown with a pass from quarterback Jackson Smith to wide receiver Karmelo Jordan making the score 10-7.
The Vikings would respond right away with a kick return taking the lead 14-10.
Smith was able to throw his second touchdown of the night to Jordan for his second touchdown as well making the score 17-14.
The Firebirds were able to get another interception on Torbert, but were unable to score making it 17-14 Firebirds at halftime.
Starting the second half, the Vikings got the ball down to the goal line and they fumbled, making it Firebirds ball. The Firebirds had forced five turnovers to this point.
The Firebirds were not able to take advantage of this turnover however, and the Vikings got the ball back with star running back Jordan Hall scoring making it 21-17.
The Firebirds answered with star running back Kenyon Norman getting in the endzone taking the lead 24-21.
The Vikings in the 4th quarter were able to keep fighting and Hall scored again for his second touchdown of the night making it 27-24 with 3 minutes to go.
The Firebirds now have the ball which would be their last drive as they got to 4th and 4 and then got a false start, making it 4th and 9.
Smith was looking to throw downfield but the pass was incomplete, and the Vikings escaped with the victory in a grueling battle of the GMC’s top teams.
The Vikings now 5-0, look to hold on as the top seed in the GMC with the chance of repeating as GMC champions. The Firebirds fall to 4-1 on the season.