Playing the top-rated team in Class AAA is tough enough,

nevermind when you turn the ball over four times.

Hayfield's plus/minus margin in turnover ratio has held the Vikings down, including Friday night's 48-22 loss at Lake City.

The host Tigers took advantage of three Hayfield fumbles and one interception in knocking the Vikings to 0-3 in cross-conference play. Lake City is 3-0.

"They're definitely a team to be reckoned with," said Hayfield coach Vince Reynolds. "They are tough."

Lake City scored three times before the Vikings got on the board. Scott Thompson found fullback Blake Swanson for a 5-yard touchdown pass, and Hayfield eventually trailed 27-7 at the half.

The Vikings fought back with a touchdown in each of the last two periods, but the Tigers kept the pressure on. Lake City rushed 47 times for 407 yards while limiting the Vikings to 143.

Hayfield's passing attack prospered in the comeback attempt as Thompson racked up 160 yards through the air. Cody Hegna had four catches for 85 yards, and James O'Connor returned to the lineup with one catch for 25 yards.

O'Connor started where he left off last season running the ball, totalling 101 yards on 25 carries.

Lake City's John Bluhm carried seven times for 72 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Jeremy Holst had three rushing touchdowns and threw for another.

The Tigers amassed 499 yards of total offense to Hayfield's 303.

Thompson also led Hayfield's defense with 11 tackles from his safety position.

The Vikings host Triton in their Hiawatha Valley League Blue Division opener Friday night in Hayfield. Triton is 1-2 after cross-conference action.