Vikings blank Rebels

Published 11:50 pm Friday, August 30, 2013

Hayfield's Merrick Ducharme is brought down by Southland's Brady Reuter on a run in the third quarter Friday night in Hayfield. -- Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Hayfield’s Merrick Ducharme is brought down by Southland’s Brady Reuter on a run in the third quarter Friday night in Hayfield. — Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

HAYFIELD — The Hayfield defense stepped up big time as the Viking football team blanked Southland 13-0 in Hayfield Friday.

Hayfield's Cole Kruger on a carry against Southland in the third quarter Friday night in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Hayfield’s Cole Kruger on a carry against Southland in the third quarter Friday night in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

The Vikings (2-0 overall, 2-0, SFA Blue) forced six turnovers and held the Rebels (0-2 overall, 0-2 SFA Blue) to just 147 yards of offense in the win.

“Our defense stepped up huge for us,” Hayfield head coach Andrew Weiers said. “We gave up a few big plays, but they stepped up when we needed them too.”

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Carter Pesch had seven tackles, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and an interception for Hayfield, Merrick Ducharme had eight tackles and a fumble recover, and Chad and Cole Kruger each deflected four passes.

“Hayfield is a good team and we didn’t capitalize on our opportunities,” Southland head coach Shawn Kennedy said. “We came out a little flat.”

Cole Kruger also picked off a pass and ran for 111 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries and Tanner Johnston ran for 33 yards on nine carries with a TD.