The Monday morning “quarterbacks” were out in full force this week as they analyzed and re-analyzed the Minnesota Vikings one-sided loss to the Buffalo Bills, who were 17-point underdogs, according to the “experts” prior to Sunday’s game at US Bank Stadium.
Well, those of us who watched now know better. The Bills scored easily on their first drive, forced a pair of Viking fumbles and quickly claimed a 17-0 lead. With momentum on its side, Buffalo continued to stay in command, earning a 27-0 halftime lead. Neither team did much offensively after intermission, but the Vikings scored a late touchdown to avert their first shutout at home since 1962.
Embarrassing? Maybe, but it sure points out that on any given day most any team can beat another. Being prepared and confident is a boost, while being overconfident can often spell doom. We may find out this week, if Sunday’s “upset” was a wake-up call for this year’s highly-regarded Vikings?
In high school action last Friday night, all three area teams won.
Murray County Central remained undefeated at 4-0 with a 34-20 Homecoming Game victory over New Ulm Cathedral. The Rebels have outscored their four opponents by a combined score of 119-62 and are currently at the top of the Section 3A QRF standings, ranked seventh among all 55 Minnesota Class A teams.
MCC hosts perennial power Dawson-Boyd Friday night. The Blackjacks are 3-1 and are the state’s 18th-ranked team, according to the QRF formula.
Congratulations to the Adrian Dragons on their strong fourth-quarter performance and a 23-14 victory over Sleepy Eye. The Dragons, now ranked fourth in Section 3A, travel to New Ulm to tangle with Cathedral this week and then host MCC next Friday, October 5.
Heron Lake-Okabena / Fulda won a high-scoring overtime thriller over Renville County West, 48-42, putting the first-year Coyotes at 2-2 for the season. Although playing Nine-Man during the season, the Coyotes are in Section 2A (11-Man) for the playoffs and are currently third in that section’s QRF rankings.
Adrian’s volleyball team continued its undefeated season with recent victories over Red Rock Central, Heron Lake-Okabena and Ellsworth. The Dragons are an impressive 14-0 this fall, including tournament victories at Westbrook and Sibley. Adrian leads the Red Rock Conference with a perfect 6-0 record and will host Southwest Minnesota Christian (5-11, 2-2) Thursday night in a key conference clash between two good squads.
The Adrian vs. MCC volleyball match is scheduled for October 11 at Adrian and will be the last conference match of the season for both teams.
