VALDOSTA —
When looking at the film of the Lowndes Vikings’ 50-23 win over the Luella Lions from Friday night, Lowndes head coach Randy McPherson determined his Vikings still have a lot to improve on before starting region play Sept. 28 at Colquitt County. The Vikings have a lot of things to improve on before Friday’s game against Newton at Martin Stadium.
“There were fundamental breakdowns,” said McPherson of Friday’s season opening win. “Technique type things that didn’t really cost us on Friday night — like being out of position, not executing your technique right. We are not real good technicians yet. I’m talking across the board. We have to get everybody better.”
The Vikings began working on some of their mistakes Monday morning, working for two hours in Martin Stadium despite the Labor Day holiday.
Some of the technique problems and fundamental breakdowns McPherson alluded to came early in the game, when the Lions caught the Vikings off guard and managed an early touchdown. Luella managed two late touchdowns in the fourth quarter against the Viking reserves.
“The defense played really well — the first defense,” McPherson said. “The first two plays of the game, they caught us off guard. They had some speed, too. Overall, the defense played very well.”
Overall, McPherson was pleased with the Vikings’ team performance Friday night.
“We played well,” said McPherson, who has led the Vikings to 10 season openings wins since taking over the program in 2002.
On Friday, the Viking offense looked like classic Lowndes football, a powerful running game that featured multiple backs pounding against the opposing defense, racking up yards and touchdowns for a blowout Lowndes victory.
Senior Nick Burgman led the way with 144 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.
“Nick runs to score,” said McPherson of his back, who also led the Vikings in receiving a year ago.
Along with Burgman, 12 other Viking players carried the ball Friday night, including Tevin Brown (12 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown), Ahman Brown (8 carries for 62 yards and two touchdowns), Tevin Orr (2 carries for 31 yards), Jordan Williams (3 carries for 21 yards) and Tiquan Lang (3 carries for 12 yards).
“The other backs did an excellent job, too,” McPherson said. “They all ran hard. The offensive line was able to move some people.”
As the Vikings continue non-region play, they will continue to work both Alex Stephenson and Seth Carlo at quarterback, hoping one separates from the other and takes the full-time position away.
Until that happens, McPherson was pleased with both Friday night; Carlo completed 5 of 7 passes for 52 yards, while Stephenson was 1 of 1 for 6 yards.
“Both quarterbacks played well,” McPherson said.
The Lowndes High Randy McPherson Coach’s Show airs Tuesday nights on 99.5 Kix Country. The show, which includes interviews with McPherson and select players, broadcasts live from The Holiday Inn on West Hill Avenue. The Broadcasts begin at 6:45 p.m. with hosts Wes James and Bill Osbourne.
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Related Photos
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Lowndes’ Tevin Brown breaks away from a Luella defender during Friday night’s game at Martin Stadium. Pat Gallagher | The Valdosta Daily Times
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Lowndes’ Nick Burgman, 21, attempts to dodge a Luella defender during the Vikings’ 50-23 season opening victory Friday night Pat Gallagher | The Valdosta Daily Times
Discussion
Vikings have plenty to improve on
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