AKRON – After losing their season opener to Culver Academy last week, the Tippecanoe Valley Vikings lost their home opener to the Western Panthers 21-14 Friday night. Valley’s offense struggled in the red zone during the loss. Head coach Darin Holsopple said the Vikings started off slow, but finished strong. “After last week’s game, we feel great as a team,” he said. Holsopple said the offense struggled with its reads and blocks and didn’t capitalize in the red zone when there were opportunities. He also said there are three facets to focus on during the game; play fast, play hard and play with excellence. Next week, Valley opens Three Rivers Conference play on the road against the North Miami Warriors. Holsopple said the conference doesn’t play for trophies in non-conference games, but the trophy chasing begins next week. “The team will come out focused and ready to play,” he said. “We just have to avoid the slow start.” Holsopple said the slow starts led to the back-to-back losses this year. The Western Panthers were led by quarterback Tyler Kneply, and running backs Cameron Dessing and Brooklyn Watters. Kneply was 7 of 14 for 98 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Dessing had 11 carries for 37 yards, and Watters had 14 carries for 44 yards. Kneply led the Panthers on the ground with 14 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown. The Vikings were led by quarterback Alec Craig, running backs Garret Bell and Brandon Webster and wide receiver Rigo Butler. Craig was 14 of 28 for 139 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Bell had 19 carries for 53 yards, and Webster had five carries for 16 yards. Butler led the Vikings in receiving with six catches for 63 yards, and Webster followed with three catches for 41 yards and one touchdown. “Western made the bigger plays down the stretch to win the game,” Holsopple said. “We just need to be more focused and be ready to play next week.”
