The Vikings got their first ever win in the Swedish Superseries! After having faced a gauntlet of last season’s top four teams, the Vikings finally pulled through with a huge win. The Vikings were up 7-27 at halftime, and managed to hold on as the game ended 28-35 in favor of the away team.
On offense, the Vikings were able to keep QB #12 C.J Fowler upright, with Fowler’s help as he has shown a knack for escaping pressure. The Vikings also managed to not turn the ball over. Having produced just over 300 yards of offense with 5 total touchdowns on the day, the Vikings offense produced just well enough to end the game with a win. The Vikings O converted 50% of both their third downs and fourth downs this game, and gained yards through a run heavy approach.
Defensively, the Vikings played their very best game of the season so far. After having held the Predators to 7 points in the first half, this defensive group managed to hold off the Predators comeback attempt. Multiple Vikings defenders on every level of the defense put up good numbers, indicative of a defense that hustled to the ball. After the win, the Vikings go into a well-earned bye week before facing off against Limhamn Griffins on May 25th. It will be another must win, as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Standout performances
Lets start this off by showing some love to a player that plays ironman for the Vikings. #50 Petter Frausing, is listed as a defensive lineman, but moonlights on the offensive line for the Vikings as well. Against the Predators, Frausing exploded onto the scene, recording 7 tackles, which was the most of any Vikings player. Out of those 7 tackles, 4 were for loss, 2.5 being sacks. And the icing on the cake – he forced a fumble just to really put his mark on the game.
#3 Matthew Snawder was another player that showed up ready to play. He had 3 receptions, 2 went for touchdowns, and he recorded 119 yards on the day. That averages out to 39.7 yards per reception. Another Vikings receiver had 3 catches with 2 touchdowns – #6 Harald Daniel Lomax Bjerke, who scored his second and third touchdown of the season.
It’s hard to catch passes as a receiver without someone to throw them the ball, and C.J Fowler did just that against the Predators. Slinging the rock for 195 yards is not the best he has done this season, but he racked up passing touchdown after touchdown in the field general role. Fowler threw for no less than 5 touchdowns against the Predators, and added 16 yards rushing for good measure.
Last, but certainly not least, the rushing attack played a crucial part in this victory, as they kept the ball moving down the field, and the clock consistently running down in the second half. #8 Rune Nilsen pounded the rock to the tune of 85 rush yards on 18 carries, while ageless wonder #7 Vegard Tysse added change of pace for 63 total yards and a score.