Football Robert Nilsen | Berry Athletic Communications

Vikings Advance with 18-14 Comeback Victory Over Panthers

MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - The No. 17 Berry College football team (10-1) survived a tough start and cold conditions as they rallied from a halftime deficit to take down the LaGrange College Panthers 18-14 in front of a raucous crowd at Valhalla Stadium in the second round of the NCAA Championships. 

The Panthers got off to a strong start as they caught the Vikings flat footed on defense, marching down the field in 12 plays to take a 7-0 lead. The Vikings answered quickly as Josh Rodgers raced up the middle for 24 yards on the Vikings first play from scrimmage to get their offense going. The Vikings then marched down the field with Andrew Hunter finishing things off with a 29 yard touchdown run on 4th and 3. Brendan Gray then took the direct snap and rushed in for two to put the Vikings ahead 8-7.

The Panthers tried to answer on their next drive but the Vikings defense came up with a big stop as Brycen Williams picked off the Panthers QB at the Berry 10 yard line. The Vikings were unable to take advantage though as they went three and out and then had a poor punt to give the Panthers great field position at the Vikings 34. On the next play the Panthers took the lead back on a 34 yard rushing touchdown to go up 14-8. 

With plenty of time left in the second quarter the Vikings started marching down the field to tie the game but were stopped short. The Vikings were then forced to punt but their defense stood strong preventing the Panthers from adding to their lead as they trailed by a touchdown at halftime. 

The Vikings rallied to take the lead out of the halftime break as Eli Warrington gave the Vikings great field position with a 36 yard kickoff return followed by a 15 yard personal foul penalty to set up the Vikings at the Panthers 30. It then took the Vikings only three plays to get in the endzone as Colby Sikes finished things off with a 28 yard rushing touchdown to put the Vikings ahead 15-14.

The Vikings defense then shut down the Panthers while the Vikings looked to add to their lead. The Panthers had other ideas though as they stopped the Vikings on their next drive and then proceeded to drive down to the Berry 22. The Vikings then came up with another huge stop as Gian Traverzo forced a fumble to give the ball back to the Vikings with 3:47 to go in the third. The Vikings then took advantage on the next drive with Trey Richards delivering a 31 yard field goal to increase the Vikings lead to 18-14 with 13:26 remaining in the 4th.

The Vikings defense then shut down the Panthers stopping them on their next drive to keep their lead in check. The game then turned into a defensive battle as the Panthers kept the Vikings from adding to their lead while giving their offense a chance to retake the lead. The Panthers had a great opportunity as they quickly drove down to the Berry 11 approaching the two minute warning. The Vikings defense then stood tall with Williams delivering a huge pass breakup on 4th down in the back of the end zone to deny the Panthers. Needing one first down to seal the game the Vikings turned to Hunter who needed just two plays to get one as the Vikings finished off the game with Christian Lewis taking a knee to secure the win.

With the win the Vikings advance to the third round of the NCAA Championships and will likely host fellow SAA opponent Trinity on Saturday, December 6 at noon.