— by Margie Doyle —
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It was a lively and cloudy scene, with spectators filling the grandstands, the Pep Band (helped out by members of the Community Band), led by Darren Dixon, belting out lively tunes, and fans feasting on a barbecue dinner with salmon from Mark and Diana Hoffman of Troll Point Fisheries.
Justin Paulsen was commentator with Erika Harlow keeping official score. Down on the sidelines, school teachers and staff were among those in touch with relatives streaming the game in Seattle, California and New Zealand! Former coaches were there, as were alumni, some wearing their old letterman jackets. Ian Harlow again brought out the portable fire pit, a welcome addition as drizzling rains fell on the crowd.
The game started with the Concrete Lions scoring on their first drive and making the extra point. Then the Viking scored on their first possession, with TJ Hobi, a Lopez Viking, running the touchdown in. They missed the point after with the score 7-6.
In the second quarter, Miles Harlow threw a touchdown pass to Pasha Bullock; the two-point conversion following failed. Then with 5 minutes left in the second quarter, Harlow threw again to Bullock; the ball deflected from Bullock’s hand into the arms of TJ Hobi, who carried it into the end zone for another touchdown, making the score 18-7.
The Lions answered with a touchdown drive but this time the extra point eluded them.
With 8 seconds added to the clock, a Concrete pass was intercepted by Vanya Bullock to end the first half with the score 18-13.
In the second half, the Lions scored a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to take the lead 21-18. Harlow was able to throw another touchdown pass to Pasha Bullock, and TJ Hobi carried the 2-point conversion into the end zone to make the score 26-21. The fourth quarter had 6:44 to go when the ball was turned over to the Vikings on downs and TJ Hobi carried a pass about 45 yards to make another touchdown. After a dramatic Vikings’ interception, the game ended with a final score of 32-21.
