OSCEOLA INDIANS ARE DISTRICT 3 CLASS 1 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

The Osceola Indians won the District 3, Class 1, Football Championship by winning 7-6 over the Vikings at Cass-Midway on Nov. 11. The Vikings handed Osceola their only loss in the first game of the season and now the Indians gave the Vikings their only defeat of the year.

The Indians played a strong defense throughout the game including holding the Vikings out of the end zone, very near the goal line as the game was closing.

Both teams went scoreless in the first quarter. In the second quarter on a Viking drive, after a 30 yard run, Marek Thompson made a key tackle, then Thane Sommer intercepted a pass tipped by Dallas Self. On their second possession, Osceola had a 29 yard gain on a Driston Self to Jonathan Lewis pass. Driston Self connected with Dallas Self for a big gain. As the first half was ending, Driston Self scored on a short run and Drew Carney kicked the PAT for a 7-0 lead.

In the third quarter, the Indians ended their first drive with a good punt by Zack Colby. The Vikings overcame some good tackles by Josh Keene, Lake Self and Thompson and scored with 3:45 left on the clock. Logan Carney made a key tackle on the Vikings attempt to score a 2-point conversion which gave the Indians the 7-6 lead.

In the final period, again the Indians were hard to run against, then the Indians moved the ball well. The last few minutes was frustrating for the Vikings as they moved close but couldn't score. Then on their final attempt, the Vikings were stopped by Driston Self on their 4th and 15th attempt.

Leading the Indians offense was Driston Self with 70 yards running and 58 yards passing. Lewis caught one pass for 29 yards and Dallas Self two for 26 yards.

Colby averaged 41 yards on his 5 punts with a long one of 57 yards.

Logan Carney amassed a total of 20 tackles and Zach Carney and Ephraim Yoder had 11 each.

Coach Paul Carney said, "It was a great defensive battle and I am very proud of our boys for winning and playing as a team."

The Indians will now host Crest Ridge in the State Quarterfinals on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Congratulations and good luck Indians!