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12/18/2006: "Vikings score another win, 24-13"

Sunday, August 27, 2006 6:09 AM CDT
Vikings score another win, 24-13
By KELLY BEATON, Courier Sports Writer

CEDAR FALLS -- After their games, it's not uncommon for the semi-pro Cedar Valley Vikings gridders to joke around with their opponents, engaging in friendly banter.

Of course, between whistles, the foes are trying to gouge each other's eyes out.

This is football after all.

"We're going to beat the man in front of us until he wants to take himself off the field," explained Vikings fullback Jim O'Regan, a Waucoma native.

Sunday, August 27, 2006 6:09 AM CDT
Vikings score another win, 24-13
By KELLY BEATON, Courier Sports Writer

CEDAR FALLS -- After their games, it's not uncommon for the semi-pro Cedar Valley Vikings gridders to joke around with their opponents, engaging in friendly banter.

Of course, between whistles, the foes are trying to gouge each other's eyes out.

This is football after all.

"We're going to beat the man in front of us until he wants to take himself off the field," explained Vikings fullback Jim O'Regan, a Waucoma native.
Indeed, the Vikings have lived up to that mantra of late, punishing opponents. After Saturday's 24-13 triumph over the Minnesota Maulers, Cedar Valley has allowed just 16 combined points in its last three contests -- all wins.

"It's wonderful to go out and have a great defense play the way they have," said Cedar Valley coach LeShane Saddler, a former Waterloo East sideline general. "It's fun to go out when your defense can play a sound, solid game. Our guys are flying around."

Cedar Valley seized control early Saturday, with seven minutes, 56 seconds to go in the opening quarter. Cornerback Anthony Long jumped a slant route for the first of his two interceptions, then hot-footed it 59 yards the other way, handing the hosts a 12-6 advantage.

The Vikings (5-4) took an 18-6 edge into the locker room at halftime thanks to a 76-yard drive they capped when wideout Johnny Parker cradled a seven-yard quick-out and danced into the end zone.

Cedar Valley displayed a bend-but-don't-break defense all night, allowing 149 yards through the air but just 30 on the ground. Meanwhile, Waterloo Columbus grad Jonathan Peters led a defensive line that dropped the opposing quarterback for five sacks.

By the time tailback Quinten Billingslea slipped in, off tackle from a yard out with 8:20 remaining, Saddler's squad had its win all but sewn up.

The Vikings will continue to try to pillage toward the postseason in next Saturday night's regular season finale, against the River City Roughriders, in the UNI-Dome.

"This has been in some ways a tough season," said Saddler, but "we've got one (regular season) game left.

"We'll get after it, and hopefully the playoffs will take care of themselves."

Contact Kelly Beaton at (319) 291-1456 or kelly.beaton@wcfcourier.com

Minnesota 6 0 7 0 -- 13

Cedar Valley 12 6 0 6 -- 24

M -- Tim Cubie 34 pass from Craig Moyer (Robert Drobinski kick blocked)

CV -- Andre Morris 49 pass from Shaun Wilson (Josh Black pass failed)

CV -- Anthony Long 59 interception return (Paul Homstad kick blocked)

CV -- Johnny Parker 7 pass from Josh Black (Black pass failed)

M -- Cubie 34 pass from Moyer (Drobinski kick)

CV -- Quinten Billingslea 1 run (Black pass failed)

TEAM STATISTICS

Minn. C.V.

First downs 10 16

Rushes-yards 22-30 20-56

Passing yards 149 86

Passes 9-16-2 9-21-1

Return yards 125 6

Penalties-yards 10-80 7-45

Punts-avg. 1-32.0 2-41.0

Fumbles-lost 1-0 0-0