VIKINGFOOTBALLINTERCEPTION

== Big kickoff return, late interception enough for Vikes ==

Down 36-31 with about two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Northern Vance turned to its playmaker Eric Jefferys.

Jefferys returned a kickoff for an 80-yard score, putting the Vikings ahead for good, 37-36 in Friday’s win at Louisburg.

“He set up his blocks perfectly,” Northern coach Darian Harris said of the play. “He ran up the middle and got to the outside. It was amazing to see a kid step up in that situation.”

The Vikings’ Desmond Peterson snatched a Warrior fumble on the next possession, but Northern was forced to punt, giving the home team one more chance with about a minute to go.

Tray Elam came up with a game-ending interception for Northern.

“That was huge. He was in the right place at the right time,” said Harris.

The Vikings improve to 3-3 on the season while Louisburg drops to 1-5.

“It’s huge,” Harris said of the win. “That’s something we talk to the kids about all the time. They’re believing we can become a good football team. Winning is contagious and if we do the right things, the wins will take care of themselves.”

Northern led 17-14 at halftime and extended their lead to 24-14 on a 65-yard rushing score from Demontre’ Dozier.

The Warriors battled back with two touchdowns of their own to take a 28-24 lead into the final period.

Vikings quarterback Tyquan Bryant connected with D.J. Williams for his third passing touchdown of the game to put Northern back up 31-28. Bryant, who moved from receiver, came on for regular starter John Nelson after the first quarter. Harris said the switch was planned.

“He throws the deep ball well,” Harris said of Bryant. “He’s extremely accurate. He throws a beautiful deep ball and that’s something we wanted to take advantage of.”

Louisburg scored a rushing touchdown to take the 36-31 lead, setting up Jefferys’ run-back.

A 30-yard field goal from Jake Ruggles opened the scoring for the Vikes.

Bryant found Nelson on a 35-yard pass play to make it 10-7, still in the first quarter.

Bryant’s second touchdown was caught by Diquon Hawley for a 15-yard score to make it 17-14.

Northern looks to go back above .500 next week at conference foe Orange. The Panthers are 1-5 after a loss to South Granville Friday.

Read more: [|The Daily Dispatch - Big kickoff return late interception enough for Vikes]