Vikings Upset Wilcox On Homecoming
Under the bright lights of Bobby Driggers Stadium and with a packed Homecoming crowd roaring, the Treutlen County Vikings football team pulled off a stunning 17-12 upset victory over the highly ranked Wilcox County Patriots Friday night. This victory breaks a long-standing drought, as the last time Treutlen defeated Wilcox was back in 2005.
The homecoming court was also crowned during halftime festivities, with Jasmine Jones and Kavion Peeples earning the titles of Homecoming Queen and King.
The game started with defensive prowess from both sides, as neither team could punch it into the end zone in the early going. Treutlen threatened deep into Patriot territory on their opening drives, but the Wilcox defense held firm.
Wilcox struck first, with a big 69-yard touchdown connection with just over two minutes left in the first quarter. The Patriots muffed the extra point which kept the score at 6-0, giving the Patriots the early edge.
Treutlen answered back in the second quarter, thanks to their reliable kicker Leo Brinson, who drilled a 29yard field goal to make it 6-3. The Vikings’ defense stepped up again, forcing Wilcox to punt, and Treutlen took over at their own 35yard line. With 1:55 remaining in the half, senior running back Peanut Tobler powered his way into the continued from page
end zone from two yards out. Brinson’s extra point put Treutlen ahead 10-6 at halftime.
As the third quarter kicked off, Wilcox came out swinging. They drove down the field, and with 7:22 left in the quarter went in on a 10-yard rushing touchdown. Wilcox went for two but came up short, but the Patriots had taken the lead, 12-10.
But the Vikings weren’t done. With just under five minutes remaining in the game, Treutlen faced a crucial fourth-and-short at the Patriot 41-yard line. Tobler once again showcased his speed, powering through a gap for a 41yard touchdown run that put the Vikings back on top, 16-12. Brinson’s kick was on target, extending the lead to 17-12 with a little less than five minutes left in the game.
Wilcox mounted a spirited rally, moving the ball quickly into Treutlen territory. However, the Viking defense stood tall in the clutch, forcing a turnover on downs at the Treutlen 35-yard line with less than two minutes remaining. Treutlen then ran out the clock, sealing a memorable victory.
This win boosts the Vikings to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in Region play, while Wilcox drops to 3-2. Treutlen enjoys a bye week before heading to McRae to face the Telfair County Trojans on October 3 at 7:30 p.m., with plenty of momentum to carry into the rest of the season.
